FREMONT, Calif. – The Cowboys kick off the preseason tonight against Oakland in what will be a return to familiar territory for some coaches and a wonder of what could have been for one more.

Offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Bill Callahan was the Raiders' head coach from 2002-03, taking Oakland to its most recent Super Bowl trip.

Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan was Oakland’s defensive coordinator from 2004-08. Skip Peete coached the Raiders running backs from 1998-2006 and quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson ended his playing career with the Raiders in 1998-99.

New Raiders coach Dennis Allen wanted to bring Cowboys special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis with him to Oakland, but the Cowboys denied permission for an interview to take place. Instead, Allen hired former Cowboys kicking coach Steve Hoffman.

Callahan is looking forward to going back, but isn't making too big a deal about it.

“I think I’ve been back there three times with the Jets,” Callahan said. “You play so many games in the league. I’ve been fortunate to be in this league for a number of years now, so you’re in the AFC and those are crossover games you get just about every year. I felt comfortable going back. It’s great to go back. I have a lot of friends back there. It’s just another team, another faceless object when you’re on the other side of the ball.”