Post by TheShadow on Feb 20, 2007 20:19:15 GMT -5
www.sacbee.com
Granite Bay might get a hand from a Raiders Hall of Famer
By Joe Davidson - Bee Staff Writer
www.sacbee.com
By Joe Davidson - Bee Staff Writer
Ernie Cooper didn't need to consult a résumé for this one. The name carries quite a football pedigree: Fred Biletnikoff.
Cooper is the Granite Bay High School football coach, and Biletnikoff is the Raiders' Hall of Fame receiver who happens to live in Roseville and also happens to be out of football work.
Biletnikoff has had an amiable relationship with Cooper for several years. They met twice last week to talk about an assistant coaching job at Granite Bay after Biletnikoff retired as a Raiders coach. There's plenty of interest on both sides.
"We'll revisit it in May, but I'd say right now, there's a really good chance he'll be coaching with us," Cooper said. "I hope it happens. I'm thrilled to death. I'm talking to this guy, and I'm thinking I should shut up and just listen to what he has to say."
Biletnikoff has indirect ties to the Granite Bay program. His brother-in-law is Ron Loder, a longtime coach in the Grizzlies' youth and prep football programs. Ron's son, Ryan Loder, is a star athlete at the school.
"I used to tease Fred when he came by: 'Hey, get on over to Granite Bay!' " Cooper said. "We may just get him."
Cooper has had NFL experience on his sideline. For three seasons earlier this decade, former Valley High and NFL tight end Rob Awalt worked with the team. That arrangement resulted largely because Cooper and Awalt were Granite Bay neighbors.
"That was the best thing that ever happened to us, to have Rob here, and we may get him back when his daughter (Chandler) gets to high school," Cooper said.