When Raiders offensive lineman Stefen Wisniewski reports for training camp, his Uncle Steve won’t be there.
Pat Kirwan of CBS reports that assistant offensive line coach Steve Wisniewski has cleaned out his office and left the team. Kirwan says that Frank Pollack, who was hired from the Texans by offensive coordinator Greg Knapp, will be taking over the job.
Bill Williamson of ESPN confirms the news, sort of. Williams reports that Wisniewski wants to spend more time with his family. (Assistant coaches in the NFL routinely work 100 or more hours per week.) But Williamson says that Wisniewski hasn’t left the team. He’s expected to remain with the organization in a reduced role, possibly in a game-day capacity.
Wisniewski, who played for the team from 1989 through 2001, joined the coaching staff in 2011.
It’s unknown whether the change in the offense and/or the run-blocking system and/or the relationship with Pollack were factors in the move.
UPDATE 2:29 p.m. ET: The Raiders have announced the move, explaining that Wisniewski has resigned for “personal reasons,” and that he will be an “ambassador” for the team. His position on the coaching staff won’t be filled.