ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) — Al Saunders was a teenager when he first worked for the Oakland Raiders, serving as a ball boy in Al Davis’ first year as coach with the franchise in 1963.
Nearly five decades later, Saunders is back in a much more substantial role as offensive coordinator on coach Hue Jackson’s staff as the Raiders try to return to a level of success that has eluded them during a run of eight straight non-winning seasons.
Saunders, an accomplished marathon runner, is still full of energy at age 64, sprinting down the practice field to congratulate someone after a big play.
But Saunders brings more than energy to the job. He is also famous for his voluminous playbook and vast knowledge of the passing game learned under Don Coryell.
