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Some people may wonder why am I writing about Tom Flores? Well I will keep it simple and short. For one, he is the last raiders coach we won a superbowl with, and while we continue to speculate about our head coach and whether or not he will be here, I say perhaps our best head coach candidate is right here under our noses now. Art Shell got another chance didn't he? Perhaps it was out of desperation that Shell did, nonetheless, why not has Al Davis given Tom Flores a shot again? Is he incompetent? Is he a horrible coach, play caller, lack experience? Don't I hear raider fans complaining about how we want a superbowl caliber coach? Yet he is right here! in fact he probably has a ton of coaching experience Here are some interesting factoids;
"Thomas R. "Tom" Flores (born March 21, 1937 in Fresno, California) is a retired American collegiate and professional football quarterback and former professional coach. Flores and Mike Ditka are the only two people in the NFL history to win Super Bowls as a player, as an assistant coach, and as a head coach. [1] Flores was also the first Hispanic head coach in league history. Flores is currently a radio announcer.
Football player
Flores played quarterback for two seasons at Fresno City College beginning in 1955. He was active off the field as well serving on the Student Council as well as President of the Associated Men's Students. He received an academic scholarship to study at the College (now University) of the Pacific. Flores graduated from the University of the Pacific in 1958, but was unable to find a job in professional football. He was cut by the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL in 1958, and then by the Washington Redskins of the National Football League (NFL) in 1959. In 1960 Flores finally landed a position as a quarterback with the American Football League's Oakland Raiders, who began play in 1960 as a charter member of the league. Flores became the first Hispanic quarterback in American professional football. He became the Raiders' starting quarterback early in the 1960 season.
Flores had his most productive season in 1966. Although he completed only 49.3 percent of his attempts, he passed for 2,638 yards and 24 touchdowns in 14 games. Oakland traded him to the Buffalo Bills in 1967. After serving primarily as a backup, he was released by the Bills and in 1969 signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he was backup to Len Dawson on the Chiefs' World Championship team. He retired as a player after the 1970 season. He was one of only twenty players who were with the AFL for its entire ten-year existence. He is the fifth-leading passer, all-time, in the AFL.
Coaching career
Flores is a member of the Sid Gillman coaching tree. After stints as an assistant coach in Buffalo and Oakland (he won a Super Bowl XI ring as an Assistant Coach under John Madden), Flores became the Raiders' head coach in 1979, following John Madden's retirement. Flores then became the NFL's first minority head coach to win a Super Bowl, winning twice - Super Bowl XV with the Oakland Raiders and Super Bowl XVIII with the Los Angeles Raiders, the latter victory being the only such in the history of NFL football in L.A.
After a 5–10 finish to the 1987 season, Flores moved to the Raiders' front office, but left after just one year to become the president and general manager of the Seattle Seahawks. He returned to coaching as the Seahawks head coach in 1992, but returned to the front office following three disappointing seasons. Flores resigned from the Seahawks in 1994 following Paul Allen's purchase of the Seahawks.
Flores left Pro Football with a lifetime coaching record of 97–87 (52.7%), as well as an 8-3 playoff record, and with two Super Bowl victories. Flores, Jimmy Johnson, Bill Parcells and George Seifert are the only eligible coaches with two such victories, who have not been selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Post-coaching career
Tom Flores can be heard with Greg Papa on KSFO (560 AM) during the radio broadcasts of Raiders games.
Sanger High School's Football stadium is named "Tom Flores Stadium" in honor of Tom who was a graduate of Sanger High School (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Flores)."
Certainly, he has the credentials, heck he is only one of two people to have won a superbowl as player, assistant coach and head coach, that's pretty impressive if you ask me. Maybe an experienced coach, with Flore's unique perspective as a player, etc., is the head coach the raiders lack? What do you guys think? Could Coach Flores ignite that fire, hunger, re-dedication to a commitment to excellence? Is he the missing ingredient in the recipe for success? the formula? the magic potion that can sprinkle his passion, love and determination to his players? Does he deserve a chance or is he another washed up antiqued bed and breakfast coach? In my book coach Flores is a proven champion who is very special to me and should be to all raider fans. I certainly say he should get another chance. Perhaps he can inspire our young team to what it takes to once again be champions. I leave you with this quote by coach Flores; "A total commitment is paramount to reaching the ultimate in performance."
Tom Flores is a name that resonates deeply in the world of football, especially within the Raiders' legacy. Let's dive into the concepts and references used in the provided article:
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Tom Flores:
- Born on March 21, 1937, in Fresno, California, he is a retired American football quarterback and coach, known for his extensive contributions to the sport.
- A standout achievement in his career is being one of two individuals in NFL history, alongside Mike Ditka, to win Super Bowls as a player, an assistant coach, and a head coach.
- Notably, he was the first Hispanic head coach in NFL history, breaking barriers in the league.
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Football Career:
- Flores started as a quarterback at Fresno City College and later received an academic scholarship to the University of the Pacific, where he continued his football career.
- Initially unsuccessful in finding a job in professional football, he eventually joined the AFL's Oakland Raiders in 1960 as a quarterback, becoming the first Hispanic quarterback in American professional football.
- He had successful seasons, notably in 1966, and also played for the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs before retiring after the 1970 season.
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Coaching Career:
- Flores transitioned into coaching, initially as an assistant coach for the Buffalo Bills and later with the Oakland Raiders, winning a Super Bowl XI ring under John Madden.
- In 1979, Flores became the head coach of the Raiders, succeeding Madden. He made history as the NFL's first minority head coach to win multiple Super Bowls, securing victories in Super Bowl XV and Super Bowl XVIII with the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders, respectively.
- After his coaching stint with the Seahawks and a brief tenure in their front office, Flores ended his coaching career with impressive statistics: a lifetime coaching record of 97–87, with an 8-3 playoff record and two Super Bowl victories.
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Post-Coaching Career:
- Tom Flores continued to contribute to the sport, engaging as a radio announcer during Raiders' game broadcasts alongside Greg Papa.
- He's also honored in his hometown, with Sanger High School's football stadium named "Tom Flores Stadium" in recognition of his accomplishments.
The article emphasizes Flores' unparalleled achievements, unique perspective as both player and coach, and his historic influence as the first Hispanic head coach in the NFL. It questions why Flores, with his proven track record and deep connection to the Raiders' history, isn't considered a potential candidate for the head coach position, suggesting that his experience and championship-winning mentality could be the missing element in revitalizing the team's success.
The author advocates for giving Flores another chance, highlighting his championship pedigree, leadership qualities, and a famous quote that signifies his belief in absolute dedication for peak performance.
