New defensive coordinator Paul Guenther is taking over a Raiders defense consisting of many players who have never played in his zone based 4-3 defensive scheme. And while the challenge of teaching an unfamiliar system may be daunting to some, Guenther is no stranger to the process.
“This is the third time as a coordinator I’ve done this,” Guenther told Sports Illustrated. “My first year as a coordinator Vance Joseph was the defensive backs coach and Matt Burke was the linebackers coach. Jay Hayes was the D-line coach, he was the lone holdover. I had to teach Matt and Vance the backend stuff, the run fits, the coverages and all the details that go with it.