Eric Mangini's name continues to bubble up in Oakland.
Weeks after the Raidersinterviewed the 49ers aide for the head-coaching job that ultimately went to Jack Del Rio, the team is bringing Mangini back to discuss their vacancy at defensive coordinator, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday.
The former Jets and Browns coach has been tucked away in San Francisco of late learning the other side of the ball, serving as a senior offensive consultant in 2013 before taking over this season as tight ends coach. Mangini grew up under Bill Belichick in New England learning to coach the defense. He was the Patriots' defensive play-caller in 2005 before landing in New York the following year.
In what amounts to a second interview with the team, Mangini's meeting with the Raidersmight suggest that Oakland has soured on the idea of hiring Mike Smith as coordinator. Oakland, though, has spread a wide net in search of new blood, speaking with Pat Shurmur and Mike Holmgren -- essentially every castoff Browns official -- before settling on Del Rio. Perhaps these meetings, all along, were aimed at pinpointing potential lieutenants for the new regime.
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