Moss interview would not have broken NFL rules

Winston Moss, the clubhouse leader in the Raiders' head coaching search since Hue Jackson was shown the door by Reggie McKenzie on Jan. 10, has reportedly already interviewed for the job.ESPN reported Moss, Green Bay's assistant head coachinside linebackers, interviewed with McKenzie, the Raiders new general manager, last Saturday, the day before the Packers' playoff loss to the New York Giants.But wouldn't that be against the "rules" of interviewing a coach for a job while his current team is still alive in the playoffs?
Turns out there's no true rule in place.

"The scheduling structure for interviews is intended to minimize the conflicts for the employer club while still providing a meaningful interview opportunity for the candidate," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told CSNCalifornia.com on an email. "The rules impose a structure but don't operate as a straight jacket."New Orleans offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. supposedly also interviewed while the Saints were still alive, though the Saints denied that meeting took place, instead saying they had granted permission for Carmichael to interview.McKenzie, meanwhile, has also reportedly interviewed former Miami interim coach Todd Bowles, a decidedly defensive-minded coach, Denver defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and Philadelphia offensive coordinator Marty Mornhingweg."I would like sooner than better," McKenzie said at his introductory media conference on Jan. 10, when asked what kind of timeline he was looking at in hiring a coach."But if I have to wait, I'll wait. I'm going to work my tail off to hire the best coach, the best fit. And that's all that's going to matter right now. And that will start now. And however long it takes, that's how long it will take. But we want to get the right guy."The Raiders have maintained a veil of secrecy thought the coaching search proceedings, even with Senior Bowl Week beginning Monday in Mobile, Ala.