Kiffin says there's 'no way' he's quitting

By CONTRA COSTA TIMES

last updated: September 23, 2008 03:57:07 AM

ALAMEDA -- Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin is here for the long haul. That is, if he has his way. He made it clear Monday he has no intention of walking away from the three-year deal he signed before last season.

That means the ball is in owner Al Davis' court as to whether Kiffin lasts beyond today, Sunday's game against the San Diego Chargers, the end of the season or whenever.

"There's no way I'm quitting, and that has got nothing to do with money at all," Kiffin said at his weekly news conference. "That has to do with our players. I talked a lot of these players into coming here at some point -- obviously, money has a lot to do with that -- in free agency over the last two years.

"A lot of our coaches, I recruited them and their families to come here and build this thing together. So, the last thing I'm ever going to do is quit. ... I believe we can turn this thing around. And there are a lot of good things going the right direction, and we're going to turn it around."

Two Internet stories surfaced Monday that said Davis "will fire Kiffin as early as (Monday)." Neither cited any concrete evidence. Kiffin is still here.

MediaNews reported Sept. 14 that Davis is prepared to fire Davis. Several front-office people, who requested anonymity, said Kiffin's fate is at Davis' sole discretion. However, they said the logical time would be after the San Diego game on Sunday, when a replacement would have a bye week to prepare for his first game as coach.

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