Citing a source close to one of the candidates for the head coaching job in Oakland, Michael Smith (ESPN) is reporting that the Raiders have decided to remove the interim tag on Tom Cable, and install him as their new head coach.

As usual, the Raiders showed their never ending hatred of ESPN by refuting the report. Oakland senior executive John Herrera had this to say when reached by the network:

“The decision has not been made. That’s not correct. At some point here we will have a head coach, but as of now that decision has not been made. We are assembling a staff as you know, but a decision on the head man has not been made.”

Cable seems to be the one coach to have earned Davis’ trust for the time being, and also seems to be content with the way things are done in Oakland. He also did an excellent job down the stretch last season, pushing a dismal Raiders club to solid victories over Tampa Bay and Houston to close out the season.

Herrera’s statement notwithstanding, it’s highly likely that sooner or later this deal will get done, and Cable will take over on a more permanent basis. No self-respecting coach in their right mind will jump into the Raiders’ gig with both feet, as they have to know that Davis will likely fire them at a moment’s notice.

As always, we’ll keep you up to date and informed on this story along with all the other news of note from around the league, so keep it locked right here!

Other posts you may enjoy:

1. Back in black; Losman signs on with Oakland
2. Russell upset over benching in Oakland
3. Cowher says thanks but no thanks; holding out for Carolina?
4. Discussion: Coaches on the hot seat