Alameda, Calif. • Jon Gruden has never had a promising, young quarterback like Derek Carr to develop in 11 seasons as an NFL head coach.
Carr hasn't had the opportunity to play for a coach like Gruden, an offensive mastermind known for his maniacal work ethic and attention to detail.
The way those two fare together will determine whether Gruden's return for a second stint as coach of the Oakland Raiders will end up as the resounding success owner Mark Davis hoped for while pining for a reunion the past six years.
"I had a chance to visit with Derek Carr this morning and I said, 'Derek, this is an unbelievable opportunity and if you'll just take advantage of the opportunity, there's so many great things in store for you, not only professionally but personally,'" said Rich Gannon, whose career took off after joining Gruden in Oakland in 1999.