Callahan's First Season A Success
By Larry Stone January 16, 2003

Oakland: A reporter joked Thursday that Raiders Coach Bill Callahan now ranks as the elder statesman among Bay Area coaches.

''I don't know what that means,'' Callahan laughed. ''Just hang on for dear life.''

Indeed, the first year head coach need only look across the bay to San Francisco coach Steve Mariucci to realize first year success guarantees nothing long-term.

Mariucci finished his 1997 rookie season 14-4, losing to the Packers in the NFC Championship game. 43 wins and three playoff appearances later, Mariucci sits at home, fired by the 49ers Wednesday.

Callahan's first team stands 12-5 with an AFC Championship meeting with the Titans pending Sunday at the Network Associates Coliseum. The former offensive coordinator took over for Jon Gruden this off-season.

During a 2-2 pre-season in which the Raiders fell hard at Dallas and Tennessee, many questioned whether Callahan, entering his first ever head coaching position, had control of his team. No one seems to be questioning his leadership now. The former high school coach called on his teaching background to lead his team.

''I think you can learn a great deal from your players,'' Callahan said. ''Through communicating, through asking questions, I think it's a day in age that's a little different from yesteryear. I think you have to be smart in how you deal with professional athletes.''

For those that think Callahan's approach means the players run the show, think otherwise. Callahan said he demands accountability and, from a veteran team, he usually gets it.

''Very simple, be on time, be accountable, do what's right,'' Callahan said.

Now, Callahan stands within one game of the ultimate first-year topper: a trip to the Super Bowl.

''I said at my initial press conference that the focus of the team would be the team and the product on the field,'' Callahan said. ''I've committed my career to coaching and helping people get where they want to go. If I can help and assist this team get to the Super Bowl, then I've achieved my goal.''