No one is surprised by the Raiders decision to fire Reggie McKenzie

Despite an impressive win on Sunday, the Raiders fired general manager Reggie McKenzie on Monday.

McKenzie had been with the team since 2012 and was under contract through 2021. He won Executive of the Year as recently as 2016 so is a well respected general manager in the NFL. When the Raiders chose to sign Jon Gruden to a 10 year, $100 million head coaching contract, McKenzie's time with the team was numbered. Though both downplayed the significance of their differences, it was clear to outside observers that the two had a contentious relationship that would ultimately result in McKenzie's firing. Gruden and McKenzie didn't see eye to eye on many decisions so this latest development was a longtime coming, though many speculated the decision wouldn't be made until the end of the season. Instead making the decision at this point allows the team to get a jump on other teams in finding their new general manger.

Raiders college scouting director Shaun Herock will handle the general manager responsibilities for now. Though speculation has the team looking at Jets head of player personnel Brian Heimerdinger, it is just as likely that Gruden could become head coach and general manger along the lines of Bill Belichick. This team has given up some of their best players in Khalil Mack, Amari Cooper and Bruce Irvin and are in a rebuilding phase. The team netted just their third win of the season on Sunday and have an uncertain future for the 2019 season. Bringing in a new general manager now may not be in the team's long-term best interest at least until Gruden has a draft or two fully under his direction and the team is settled in their new Las Vegas home in 2020.