Raiders face uncertain future after Davis’ death

ALAMEDA, Calif. – The Oakland Raiders will have to replace much more than an owner now following Al Davis’ death.

He was the general manager who hand-picked many of the current members of the Raiders. He was the master technician whose football philosophies are still adhered to by the team more than three decades after he coached his last game. He was the iconic figure who turned his beloved franchise into a global brand whose silver-and-black colors are recognized around the world.

Davis died at age 82 on Saturday. There was no cause of death released. “He really was a legend of the game,” commissioner Roger Goodell said. “There’s not many people who had the kind of impact on the game. He was a commissioner, he was an owner, he was a coach, he was a general manager, and he was passionate about the game of football. He loved the NFL as much as anybody I know.”

While it’s too early to predict what the Raiders will be like after Davis’ death, some things are certain. The team will remain in the Davis family with Al’s wife, Carol, being the majority owner and his son, Mark, expected to run the franchise.

CEO Amy Trask will continue in her job and will play a big role in the upcoming transition.

The Raiders will likely have to hire a general manager after decades of Davis making almost all of the important decisions for the franchise.