Unlike former Raiders coach Dennis Allen, Tony Sparano has an open line of communication with owner Mark Davis.
"I've got great feedback from Mark," Sparano said, via The Bay Area News Group. "Any conversation he and I have is open and really honest about everything. He's the owner, he's the boss and I owe explanations when it goes well and when it doesn't go well."
Since taking over for Allen, it seems like Sparano has changed plenty in Oakland, including three home wins against teams with winning records. Some players have lobbied openly for the interim tag to be removed from Sparano's title and want to see him retain the job in 2015.
His relationship with Davis could add another interesting subplot to what promises to be an interesting coaching search. Though current 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh would obviously dominate the conversation, what would happen if he took another, far more lucrative offer to rejoin the college ranks?
What would happen if more players started vocalizing their support for Sparano?
"We've had good conversations that I hope and assume will continue," Sparano said about his chats with ownership. "His goal and my goal are plain and simple -- last week we had two games left and this week we have one game left and it's to make sure we do the right things."
If nothing else, this interim gig has laid the groundwork for a much brighter future for Sparano should he want another head coaching opportunity.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast recaps every Week 16 game and breaks down the playoff picture. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
