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If this was going to be his fate, the Oakland Raiders should have fired Tom Cable a year ago.

Canning him now, after a season of true progress, is just another sign of dysfunction in Oakland. The only thing good about this move is that it was quick.

Last year, Cable twisted in the wind for weeks while Oakland pondered whether to fire him after a 5-11 season. Cable was retained and the Raiders improved under his watch. They finished the season 8-8, the first time they have finished .500 or better since 2002, when the team went to the Super Bowl. Oakland was 6-0 against the AFC West this season.

On Sunday and Monday, Cable said he was elated about the progress the team has made and talked about its chances of improving in 2011. Apparently, Cable didn’t do enough to keep the job beyond this season.

What was Oakland looking for?

If the Raiders really thought they’d make the playoffs this season, they were fooling themselves. This season was all about making improvements and the Raiders met that goal under Cable.

Yes, the Raiders still have problems and yes, they were the most penalized team in the league this season. But Cable, who finished with a 17-27 record as Oakland's coach, wasn’t going to solve those issues overnight.

What kind of message does this send to the team?

The job will likely go to offensive coordinator Hue Jackson -- if he doesn’t go to the San Francisco 49ers first. You can’t deny Jackson’s impact on the team. But Cable also deserves credit.

He was a players' coach who was extremely enthusiastic. He was often too much of a cheerleader and he often bordered on being delusional about his team. But the Raiders bought in.

Throughout the season, players complimented Cable for giving the team fire and making it believe. During the past week, many Oakland players stood up for Cable. Pro Bowl punter Shane Lechler said it would be a “shame” if Cable wasn’t brought back.

One of the biggest problems in Oakland has been the lack of stability. By moving away from Cable, the Raiders have compromised their continuity, even if Jackson becomes the coach. There will be more changes on this staff and there will be yet another adjustment period for the players. The Raiders will be hiring their sixth head coach since the start of the 2002 season.

I just don’t understand the timing. If Oakland owner Al Davis didn’t think Cable could lead Oakland to the playoffs, he should have just fired Cable a year ago, fresh off the Randy Hanson assault allegations.

I wonder if the Raiders really have a plan or if their 2010 progress came despite their front-office leadership. Cable will likely go back to being an offensive line coach in the league and the Raiders will continue to look for something only Davis can explain.

The news that Oakland quarterback Bruce Gradkowski has suffered a torn pectoral muscle is not the end of the world, but it is somewhat troublesome.

The good news for Gradkowski and the Raiders is that he is expected to be ready by training camp. However, he will likely miss the mini-camp season. Gradkowski will likely be in the mix to be the starting quarterback in Oakland. He needs to work with his teammates as much as possible. Yes, he had a nice chemistry with his teammates when he took over the offense late last season, but Gradkowski needs more work with his teammates. He will be able to catch up in training camp, but the work in May and June is also valuable.

Oakland coach Tom Cable is trying to get the civil suit filed against him by former Oakland assistant Randy Hanson thrown out of court. Hanson has accused Cable of assaulting him during training camp last year. Authorities declined to pursue criminal charges in the case.

Oakland linebacker Thomas Howard has signed his restricted free-agency tender.

Life is looking up for Tom Cable.

After a tumultuous first full season as the Oakland Raiders’ head coach both on and off the field, Cable has a clean slate headed into the 2010 season. The NFL announced Wednesday that Cable will not be disciplined for alleged physical assaults.

Cable was accused of breaking assistant coach Randy Hanson's jaw and teeth in a training camp fight. The Napa County district attorney did not file charges. Hanson is suing both Cable and the Raiders civilly.

Cable admitted slapping his first wife more than 20 years ago but that did not warrant punishment because it happened before he joined the NFL. Cable also was accused of attacking a former girlfriend last year but no charges were filed.

The league's decision has been expected since Cable was cleared in the criminal case. But it has to be a load off of Cable's mind. Other than the civil case, Cable can concentrate fully on football. And, while no formal decision has been made, Cable is expected to return as Oakland's coach in 2010.

At the end of last season, it looked like Cable was on his way out after compiling a 9-19 overall record. Oakland went 5-11 under Cable last season. Now, he has a second chance to heed his own advice. He has often stressed that Oakland needs stability and no distractions as it tries to have a winning season for the first time since 2002.

The Hanson saga was an issue for several months. Now, it is over in the eyes of the league.

• The Oakland Tribune has some interesting details of Randy Hanson’s role with the Raiders. The former assistant coach now breaks down film for Oakland and he can have no contact with his former world at the team’s facility.

Things got more awkward when Hanson filed a civil suit against coach Tom Cable and the team stemming from an alleged attack by Cable against Hanson last summer. Cable was cleared in a criminal investigation. The suit is not a surprise since Hanson’s attorneys previously hinted at a civil suit.

• The Denver Post has a report on the first day of the Darrent Williams murder trial.

• It’s not a surprise Denver cut starting center Casey Wiegmann and backup running back LaMont Jordan. Wiegmann doesn’t fit Denver’s new power offensive blocking scheme and Jordan ran the ball just 25 times last season. Watch for Denver to try to find a new center though free agency. There isn’t a legitimate starting option on the current roster.

• Denver hired Brian Callahan as a coaching assistant. He is the final addition of the coaching staff. Callahan, 25, is the son of former Oakland head coach Bill Callahan.

The Contra Costa Times is reporting that embattled Oakland defensive assistant Randy Hanson -- who became a household name in the NFL this fall for all the wrong reasons -- is back with the team.

The paper reported that Hanson was working in the team’s scouting department Wednesday. It’s believed be Hanson’s first time back with the club since he accused Oakland head coach Tom Cable of attacking him, resulting in a broken jaw for Hanson. The alleged attack took place at the team’s training camp in Napa, Calif. on Aug. 5.

After a long investigation, officials in Napa declined to pursue charges against Cable because of a lack of evidence.

Through his attorney, Hanson indicated that a civil suit against Cable could be coming. This latest development could be a sign that Hanson has decided to move on.

It was reported in the summer that Hanson had a chance to be assigned to the personnel department, but he declined. You would think Hanson and the team would have some type compromise arranged.

Cable indicated he was surprised that Hanson was back and he said he didn’t know too much about the situation. It wouldn’t be a shock if Cable isn’t thrilled about seeing Hanson in the building. But as long as the two don’t have to work directly together, this arrangement could work. It’s not like Cable makes the decisions in Oakland, anyway.

Hanson’s return had to be approved by owner Al Davis. If Davis wanted Hanson back, Cable has no say in the matter.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen Sunday reported that the NFL will require Oakland coach Tom Cable to undergo an evaluation by a doctor and psychologist as part of its investigation into allegations of assault made by Oakland defensive assistant Randy Hanson.

Also, Mortensen reported Kansas City running back Larry Johnson may be leaning toward not fighting the team if it decides to deactivate him or pursue other discipline after his one-game suspension ends Monday.

The future of Johnson, who is 75 yards away from becoming Kansas City’s all-time leading rusher, in Kansas City could depend on how young running backs Jamaal Charles and Kolby Smith perform Sunday at Jacksonville.

New Kansas City receiver Chris Chambers is active and will play some today. Chambers was claimed Tuesday after he was cut by San Diego.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

The candidates are:

Johnson saga: The Chiefs suspended running back Larry Johnson for Sunday’s game at Jacksonville after he made gay slurs and questioned the credentials of coach Todd Haley.

Cable allegations: ESPN’s "Outside the Lines" looked into allegations of past physical abuse against women by Oakland coach Tom Cable. This comes shortly after Napa, Calif. authorities have declined to pursue charges against Cable based on allegations that he assaulted Oakland defensive assistant Randy Hanson.

Chambers moves to Kansas City: The Chargers started Malcolm Floyd ahead at receiver ahead of Chris Chambers on Sunday and then cut the former starter Monday. Chambers struggled all season. He was claimed by the Chiefs on Tuseday and he should be a starter there.

Please choose your story of the week and hit my mailbag with your thoughts. I will post some of your responses later in the week.

» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

Falling

Orton

Kyle Orton, Broncos, quarterback: It is no coincidence that the Broncos lost their first game of the season on the day Orton struggled. Orton had his least effective game of the season in a 30-7 loss at Baltimore.

He threw for only 152 yards and could never get his offensive troops going. Denver entered Baltimore territory only three times.

Cable

Tom Cable, Raiders, head coach: Cable is having a tough time these days. His team is 2-6 at its bye week and has shown few signs of becoming a quality team in Cable’s first full season as Oakland’s coach.

Plus, Cable is dealing with off-field issues. ESPN’s "Outside the Lines" looked into allegations of past physical abuse against women. This comes shortly after Napa, Calif. authorities declined to pursue charges against Cable based on allegations that he assaulted Oakland defensive assistant Randy Hanson.

Denver’s special teams: The Denver coverage unit has to tighten up. It allowed a kickoff return for a score against Baltimore on Sunday. In Denver’s previous game, at San Diego on Oct. 19, the Broncos allowed a punt return for a score. Allowing returns for scores in back-to-back games is cause for concern.

Rising

Merriman

Shawne Merriman, Chargers, linebacker: Merriman had two sacks against Oakland on Sunday, his first two sacks of the season. He struggled to regain his superior pass-rushing skills in the first several games as he came back from a major knee injury. Merriman has improved each week and looks to be at full strength.

Phillips

Chargers’ pass rush: Merriman isn’t the only Charger getting his pass-rush groove back. San Diego has had nine sacks in its past two games, after struggling early in the season.

Linebacker Shaun Phillips has four sacks in the past two games. San Diego is getting very creative in its pass-rush schemes, often using safeties on blitzes. The schemes are working and the Chargers are suddenly a sack threat again.

AFC West punters and kickers: Several AFC West kicking specialists are performing well. Punters Shane Lechler of Oakland and Dustin Colquitt of Kansas City are excelling. Kickers Nate Kaeding of San Diego, Sebastian Janikowski of Oakland and Matt Prater of Denver are also at the top of their game. Not all is great in this division, but there is some fine kicking going on.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” reported that Oakland coach Tom Cable has a history of abuse against women.

The show reported that two women, a former wife and a former girlfriend of Cable’s, have accused him of physical abuse. A second wife said in divorce documents that Cable was abusive to her. However, in a statement to "Outside the Lines," she disputed those claims and said Cable was never abusive to her.

In a statement, Cable said he physically abused a woman once in his life. Cable was recently cleared of assault charges in Napa, Calif., following allegations made by defensive assistant Randy Hanson.

The Raiders play at San Diego on Sunday.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

According to ESPN’s Stats and Information, the AFC West has been very busy using the shotgun formation. Kansas City has used the shotgun 198 times, which is the fourth most in the NFL. Denver is fifth with 184. The Chargers are averaging 8.3 yards per play using the shotgun.

An NFL spokesman said Tuesday that the league has not made any decision on whether to discipline Oakland coach Tom Cable regarding the assault allegations made by Oakland defensive assistant Randy Hanson. Authorities have declined to pursue charges against Cable. Any NFL discipline would likely be minor.

Kansas City signed receiver/returner Quentin Lawrence to the practice squad. Kansas City cut the sixth-round pick Saturday.

Tennessee claimed punter Brett Kern off waivers from Denver. He was cut Monday as Denver signed veteran Mitch Berger.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

Randy Hanson compared the Napa County district attorney’s decision not to charge Oakland coach Tom Cable on assault charges to an official’s call in the 1977 AFC championship game between the Raiders and the Broncos.

OK.

Meanwhile, here is a look at DA’s Gary Lieberstein’s press conference Thursday in which he explained his decision not to press charges against Cable.

San Diego cornerback Antonio Cromartie is hampered by injuries going into Sunday’s game at Kansas City.

Chiefs running back Larry Johnson feels LaDainian Tomlinson’s pain.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

Four San Diego players, including running back LaDainian Tomlinson, did not practice Thursday because of an illness. At this point, the situation does not appear to be overly concerning to the team. San Diego linebacker Kevin Burnett missed his second day of practice with an ankle injury he suffered Monday night against Denver.

• Kansas City left tackle Branden Albert practiced on a limited basis as he prepared to face San Diego on Sunday. He was limited Wednesday as well. An ankle injury kept Albert out of Sunday’s win at Washington.
• The attorney for Raiders defensive assistant Randy Hanson said to expect a civil lawsuit by his client against Oakland coach Tom Cable.
• I have confirmed that the safety Steve Gregory has, at least in practice, has replaced cornerback Antoine Cason, as the nickel in San Diego. Cason was a first-rounder in 2008.
• The Raiders’ win over Philadelphia did not help them avoid a local television blackout. The game against the Jets on Sunday will be the team’s third straight blackout.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

Napa County district attorney Gary Lieberstein just announced on a phone message that he will have a filing decision Thursday on the assault case involving Oakland coach Tom Cable.

Lieberstein said the announcement will be made between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. ET. Oakland defensive assistant Randy Hanson maintains Cable assaulted him and he suffered a broken jaw in the Aug. 5 incident at the team’s training camp facility. Cable has denied he assaulted Hanson.

Cable could face felony charges.

UPDATE: The DA's office is indicating the annoucement will be closer to 6:30 p.m. ET.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

There won’t be an announcement made in the Tom Cable case until later in the week, at the earliest.

In a taped phone message on a media hotline, Napa, Calif. District Attorney Gary Lieberstein said Monday afternoon that the next update will be given either Wednesday or Thursday. Last week, Lieberstein said his next update would be Monday. He said his office will take all the time it needs before making decision on whether to charge the Raiders’ head coach on assault charges. The Napa police gave the DA’s office the case two weeks ago.

Oakland defensive assistant Randy Hanson maintains that Cable assaulted him and he suffered a broken jaw in the incident, which allegedly occurred Aug. 5 at the Raiders’ training camp. Cable has denied the account. He could face felony charges.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

• Oakland defensive assistant Randy Hanson is getting aggressive while he waits to see whether the Napa, Calif., district attorney’s office will file assault charges against Oakland coach Tom Cable.

Hanson said he is willing to take a lie detector test to show he is telling the truth. Hanson maintains Cable assaulted him at the Raiders’ training camp Aug. 5 and that he suffered a broken jaw in the incident.

The Napa police handed the case over to the DA's office nearly two weeks ago. A filing decision could come as soon as Monday. In a taped message on a media information phone line, Napa DA Gary Lieberstein advised media earlier this week to check back Monday.

• Oakland receiver Javon Walker says he is not adverse to a trade if the Raiders want to deal him. That’s fine. But it’s doubtful any team would want to make a move for the oft-injured Walker, who has played four snaps this season.

• Chaz Schilens told reporters Thursday that he may not be ready to play Sunday against Philadelphia. He has been out eight weeks with a broken foot.