Raiders head coaching search: Oakland will interview Pat Shurmur

UPDATE: Per Tim McManus, Pat Shurmur will officially interview for the Raiders head coaching job.

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According to a report from ESPN's Bill Williamson, Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur is a name to keep an eye on when it comes to the Oakland Raiders' head coaching search.

To see Shurmur's name involved in coaching rumors is both surprising and not surprising at all. On one hand, he's only 49 and has plenty of coaching experience including a lead job with the Cleveland Browns. Shurmur reportedly drew interest from the Washington Redskins vacancy last season before they hired Jay Gruden away from the Cincinnati Bengals. Teams would obviously want to bring him in with the hope he can replicate some of Chip Kelly's success in Philadelphia. Kelly hired Shurmur to be his offensive coordinator shortly after accepting the job in Philadelphia.

On the other hand, no one is actually sure what Shurmur really does. He's the offensive coordinator, sure, but it's not as if he's the one calling the plays. Kelly's identity on the team and the offense is unmistakable. Shurmur used to be responsible for advising Kelly to throw the challenge flag until the Eagles hired a former college official to be their designated guide. It's hard to imagine Shurmur being a strong finalist for a job.

Oakland fired head coach Dennis Allen in late September before promoting Tony Sparano to interim head coach. The Raiders reportedly wanted to hire Jim Harbaugh but he took the Michigan job instead.

At the least, this is something to keep an eye on.