Kirby Wilson retired unexpectedly earlier this month
On the eve of training camp, Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden has made his decision on how to replace running backs coach Kirby Wilson, who retired suddenly on July 16.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported on Monday morning that Tim Berbenich will lead the group. Berbenich had previously been an offensive quality control coach for the Raiders.
With the retirement of Kirby Wilson, the #Raiders will have offensive quality control coach Tim Berbenich handle the RBs coaching duties for 2021, source said. Other coaches will assist, but Berbenich will be the one running the room.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 26, 2021
It is no surprise that Gruden hired within the program to replace Wilson. The Raiders were likely not going to hire outside the organization this late in the process, especially as rookies and quarterbacks reported to training camp on Saturday and the full team reports tomorrow.
Wilson was known as one of the better running backs coaches in the NFL and he was highly respected by his players, who produced well under his guidance.
Berbenich came to the Raiders in 2018 with Gruden and this is his 18th NFL season. He worked for Gruden with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2006-08.