All signs point to the Raiders joining a growing contingent that is severing ties with Cable these days and seeking a different connection.
In the Raiders' case, that means parting ways with coach Tom Cable and hitching their floundering franchise to another coach who has a fresh set of ideas and the patience to put up with quarterback Jamarcus Russell.
Managing general partner Al Davis has yet to weigh in publicly on the matter.
However, several people close to Davis say he is inclined to fire Cable and hire a new coach for the sixth time since Jon Gruden was jettisoned after the 2001 season.
When asked if he is expecting to be the coach next season, Cable said: "I am, because I see, and you all see, too, where this team is going, and what we've been able to accomplish in proving some things.
"Where we are offensively since the Cincinnati game speaks volumes, but, again, yeah, I'm pretty sure. As sure as I can be."
