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Updates from Tuesday, Sept. 30

The Oakland Raiders released a statement on the firing of Dennis Allen. "After thorough evaluation, we have determined to move in another direction," general manager Reggie McKenzie said. "We appreciate Dennis Allen's dedication to the organization and wish him and his family nothing but the best in the future."

They also announced Tony Sparano has been named interim head coach:

Levi Damien of Silver and Black Pride provides details on McKenzie's conversation with Allen:

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com passes along more from McKenzie, who spoke about his role in the Raiders' struggles:

Tim Kawakami of the Mercury News relayed what will determine McKenzie's fate:

The Raiders and Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle provide Sparano's comments on the challenge ahead:

Andrew Siciliano and Marc Sessler of NFL Network have more from McKenzie:

Tom Pelissero of USA Today reports the Raiders have not determined who the next coach of the Raiders will be:

Original Text

After a miserable start to the 2014 NFL season, Dennis Allen is out as head coach of the Oakland Raiders.

Jay Glazer of Fox Sports first reported news of the team's decision Monday night:

The Raiders confirmed the news according to Steve Corkran of the Contra Costa Times:

Henry Wofford of Comcast SportsNet reports on the status of GM Reggie McKenzie:

Ed Werder of ESPN reports on how Allen was fired and the three candidates to take over as interim coach:

ESPN's Josina Anderson spoke with receiver Denarius Moore about the decision. "I don't know how I should react," Moore said. "I have been through it before. There's nothing new, but at the same time you have to think about the season that is ahead.... I mean whatever Mark Davis feels he needs to do. It's his team."

Steven Senne/Associated Press

While it is strange for an NFL coach to be fired just four games into the season, this move was hardly unexpected. Oakland has been one of the worst teams in the league this season, going 0-4 with a minus-52 point differential. Only the Jacksonville Jaguars have a worse mark (minus-94).

On Sunday, the Raiders showcased their struggles internationally, losing 38-14 to the Miami Dolphins at Wembley Stadium in London. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports gave his opinion on the organization:

After two 4-12 seasons coming into the year, Allen has put himself in rare territory for coaching futility, according to Eric Edholm of Yahoo Sports:

With the team heading into a bye in Week 5, it only made sense to make the switch at the top right now. This gives the squad time for the interim coach to implement changes and put his stamp on the team before the Week 6 matchup against the San Diego Chargers.

While rookie quarterback Derek Carr has shown promise, as have a number of other young players on both sides of the ball, it seems clear the Raiders are still a long way from contention no matter who is in charge.

Hopefully for the organization, the team will be able to at least show signs of life before the end of the 2014 season.

Allen, 42, joined the Raiders in 2012 following his one-year stint as defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos. It's unlikely he'll get an immediate opportunity to serve as head coach for another team in the near future, but he should have no trouble latching on somewhere as a defensive assistant or coordinator.

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