AP News, May 9th, 2007
The Oakland Raiders fired senior personnel executive Michael Lombardi on Wednesday, further distancing themselves from last year's 2-14 season.
Lombardi's role had been diminishing in recent months and the move was expected. He was not seen at practice during last weekend's mandatory minicamp.
The Raiders did not say if anyone would take Lombardi's job, however director of football operations Mark Jackson has been handling much of Lombardi's work of late.
Lombardi did not immediately return a phone message.
Jackson was brought in by new coach Lane Kiffin, who has overhauled much of the team's coaching staff. Jackson played a key role in the team's negotiations during last month's draft when Oakland traded disgruntled receiver Randy Moss to New England and acquired quarterback Josh McCown and receiver Mike Williams from Detroit.
The biggest issue facing the Raiders before the start of training camp is negotiating a contract with top pick JaMarcus Russell, whose deal is expected to include close to $30 million in guaranteed money.
Lombardi spent the past eight seasons with the Raiders, dealing with personnel decisions and contract negotiations. He worked mostly behind the scenes but was credited for some moves that helped Oakland win the 2002 AFC championship. The Raiders do not have a general manager because owner Al Davis handles most of those tasks.
Lombardi's relationship with former coach Art Shell was strained from the start as he tried to hire Bobby Petrino from Louisville for the 2006 season. Petrino turned down the job and Davis then decided to bring back Shell.
Previously, Lombardi worked in the NFL with Philadelphia, Cleveland and San Francisco.
