| 2003 Oakland Raiders season | |
|---|---|
| Owner | Al Davis |
| General manager | Al Davis |
| Head coach | Bill Callahan |
| Home field | Network Associates Coliseum |
| Results | |
| Record | 4–12 |
| Division place | 3rd AFC West |
| Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
| Pro Bowlers | None |
The 2003 Oakland Raiders season was the 44th season of professional football for the Oakland Raiders franchise, their 34th season as members of the National Football League (NFL), and their ninth season since returning to Oakland. They were led by head coach Bill Callahan in his second and final year as head coach of the Raiders. The Raiders played their home games at Network Associates Coliseum as members of the AFC West. They finished the season 4–12 to finish in a tie with the Chargers for last place, but the Raiders finished in 3rd place because they had a better conference record than the Chargers did. It marked the first time since 1999 that the Raiders failed to make the playoffs and finished with a losing record for the first time since 1997.
Quarterback Rich Gannon, who had been the league MVP the previous season, injured his shoulder in seventh game of the season and was put on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.[1] He was replaced by Marques Tuiasosopo and Rick Mirer. The Raiders had a five-game losing streak in the middle of the season and lost seven games by a touchdown or less. Their 4–12 record tied them with the San Diego Chargers, New York Giants, and Arizona Cardinals as the worst team in football in 2003 and they received the second pick in the 2004 NFL Draft.
The season was the last year in Oakland for wide receivers Tim Brown and Jerry Rice. Both future Hall of Fame members were held to four total touchdowns for the season.
Following the season, Raiders owner Al Davis fired head coach Bill Callahan[2][3] and replaced him with Norv Turner.[4]
The 2003 season marked a turning point in Oakland Raiders history, as it started a long period of futility and decline for the team. From 2003 to 2015, the Raiders failed to make the playoffs or have a winning season.
In Week 13, after a 22-8 loss to the Denver Broncos, head coach Bill Callahan stated "We've got to be the dumbest team in America in terms of playing the game. I'm highly critical because of the way we give games away. We give 'em away! Period. It's embarrassing, and I represent that. And I apologize for that."
- ^ "Rice Is Traded to Seattle; Gannon Is Out for Season". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. October 19, 2004. ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
- ^ "Raiders fire head coach Callahan". SFGate. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
- ^ "Raiders Officially Fire Callahan". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. January 1, 2004. ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
- ^ "Dolphins coordinator a head coach again". ESPN.com. January 26, 2004. Retrieved May 2, 2018.