The Silver and Black Saga
An in-depth exploration of the iconic franchise's journey through eras of dominance, relocation, and enduring legacy.
Explore History 👇 View Championships 🏆Dive in with Flashcard Learning!
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮
Franchise Genesis
AFL Origins
Established on January 30, 1960, the Oakland Raiders began as a charter member of the American Football League (AFL). The franchise was awarded to Oakland after the Minneapolis AFL team moved to the NFL. Despite Oakland not actively seeking a team and the presence of the San Francisco 49ers, the AFL owners placed the team there to establish a West Coast presence.
Early Financials and Name
The initial ownership group, led by Y. Charles (Chet) Soda, faced immediate financial challenges. A contest to name the team initially resulted in "Oakland Seňors," but this was quickly changed to the "Oakland Raiders" due to public reaction. The team's original colors were black, gold, and white, with the iconic pirate emblem introduced early on.
Initial Stadiums and Struggles
The Raiders played their inaugural season in 1960, splitting home games between Kezar Stadium in San Francisco and Candlestick Park. Due to stadium issues, they moved to Frank Youell Field in Oakland in 1962. The early years were marked by poor performance, with the team finishing 1-13 in 1962, continuing a significant losing streak.
Key Figures
Al Davis
Al Davis joined the Raiders in 1963 as head coach and general manager, quickly transforming the team's fortunes. His aggressive style, innovative strategies, and famous slogans like "Pride and Poise" and "Just Win, Baby" defined the Raiders' identity. Davis later became a part-owner and the ultimate authority, shaping the franchise for decades.
John Madden
As head coach from 1969 to 1978, John Madden led the Raiders to consistent success, including seven AFL/AFC Championship appearances and their first Super Bowl title (XI) in 1976. His disciplined approach and ability to foster a tough, competitive team culture are legendary.
Tom Flores
Tom Flores, the first Hispanic head coach in NFL history, took over in 1979. He guided the Raiders to their second Super Bowl victory (XV) in 1980 as a wild card team, solidifying his place in franchise history.
Jon Gruden
Jon Gruden had two stints as head coach (1998-2001, 2018-2019). His first tenure saw the Raiders reach the AFC Championship game in 2000 and the Super Bowl XXXVII in 2002. His return in 2018 marked a significant, albeit ultimately unsuccessful, attempt to rebuild the team.
Defining Eras
The "Commitment to Excellence" (1963-1978)
Under Al Davis and later John Madden, the Raiders became synonymous with a rebellious, tough, and winning image. This era saw the team achieve significant success, including their first AFL Championship and Super Bowl XI victory, characterized by hard-hitting players and an aggressive style.
Los Angeles Interlude (1982-1994)
Following a protracted legal battle with the NFL over stadium issues in Oakland, Davis successfully moved the franchise to Los Angeles in 1982. The Raiders played at the Los Angeles Coliseum, winning Super Bowl XVIII during this period, before returning to Oakland.
Return to Oakland & Modern Era (1995-2019)
The Raiders returned to Oakland in 1995, playing at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. This period was marked by inconsistency, a coaching carousel, and significant draft misses, though they reached Super Bowl XXXVII under Bill Callahan. The era concluded with the franchise's relocation to Las Vegas.
Championship Pedigree
Super Bowl Victories
The Raiders secured two Super Bowl titles during their Oakland tenure:
- Super Bowl XI (1976 season): Defeated the Minnesota Vikings 32-14 under coach John Madden.
- Super Bowl XV (1980 season): Defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10 under coach Tom Flores, becoming the first wild card team to win the Super Bowl.
Tom Flores also led the team to a third Super Bowl title (XVIII) in 1983 after the move to Los Angeles.
AFL/AFC Championships
The franchise claimed four AFL/AFC Championship titles:
- 1967 AFL Championship: Defeated the Houston Oilers 40-7 under coach John Rauch.
- 1976 AFC Championship: Defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-7 under coach John Madden.
- 1980 AFC Championship: Defeated the San Diego Chargers 34-27 under coach Tom Flores.
- 2002 AFC Championship: Defeated the Tennessee Titans 41-24 under coach Bill Callahan.
Division Titles
The Raiders consistently performed well within their divisions, capturing numerous titles:
- AFL West: 1967, 1968, 1969
- AFC West: 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 2000, 2001, 2002
A total of 12 division titles underscore their historical competitiveness.
Home Fields
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
The Raiders' primary home for much of their history in Oakland. It served as their base from 1966-1981 and again from 1995-2019. This stadium witnessed their greatest triumphs, including Super Bowl XI and numerous division titles.
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
From 1982 to 1994, the Raiders played their home games in Los Angeles. The iconic Coliseum was the site of their Super Bowl XVIII victory, marking a successful chapter in Southern California.
Other Early Venues
In their initial years, the Raiders utilized Kezar Stadium (1960) and Candlestick Park (1960-1961) before settling into Frank Youell Field (1962-1965) as a temporary home.
Enduring Legacy
The Silver and Black Identity
The Raiders cultivated a unique image in professional sports, characterized by their rebellious attitude, distinctive silver and black colors, and the menacing pirate logo. This "outlaw" persona, heavily influenced by Al Davis, resonated deeply with fans, creating a passionate fanbase known as "Raider Nation."
Iconic Slogans and Culture
Phrases like "Commitment to Excellence," "Pride and Poise," and "Just Win, Baby" became synonymous with the Raiders' ethos. These slogans, along with the team's aggressive style of play, fostered a distinct culture that transcended the sport, influencing fashion and popular culture.
"The Autumn Wind"
The poem "The Autumn Wind," written by Steve Sabol of NFL Films and narrated by John Facenda, became the unofficial anthem of the Raiders. Its evocative imagery and powerful delivery perfectly captured the spirit and intensity associated with the team, earning it the moniker "The Battle Hymn of the Raider Nation."
Seasonal Records
Performance Overview
The table below summarizes the Raiders' performance across their various eras, highlighting key achievements such as division titles, conference championships, and Super Bowl appearances.
| Season | Team | League | Conference | Division | Regular season | Postseason results | Awards | Head coaches | Refs. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finish | W | L | T | |||||||||
| Oakland Raiders (1960–1981) | ||||||||||||
| 1960 | 1960 | AFL | Western | 3rd | 6 | 8 | 0 | Eddie Erdelatz | [94] | |||
| 1961 | 1961 | AFL | Western | 4th | 2 | 12 | 0 | Eddie Erdelatz (0–2) Marty Feldman (2–10) |
[95] | |||
| 1962 | 1962 | AFL | Western | 4th | 1 | 13 | 0 | Marty Feldman (0–5) Red Conkright (1–8) |
[96] | |||
| 1963 | 1963 | AFL | Western | 2nd | 10 | 4 | 0 | Al Davis (MVP) | Al Davis | [97] | ||
| 1964 | 1964 | AFL | Western | 3rd | 5 | 7 | 2 | Al Davis | [98] | |||
| 1965 | 1965 | AFL | Western | 2nd | 8 | 5 | 1 | Al Davis | [99] | |||
| 1966 | 1966 | AFL | Western | 2nd | 8 | 5 | 1 | John Rauch | [100] | |||
| 1967 | 1967 | AFL§ | Western^ | 1st^ | 13 | 1 | 0 | Won AFL Championship (Oilers) 40–7 Lost Super Bowl II (Packers) 14–33 |
Daryle Lamonica (MVP) | John Rauch | [101] | |
| 1968 | 1968 | AFL | Western^ | 1st^ | 12 | 2 | 0 | Won Divisional playoffs (Chiefs) Lost AFL Championship (at Jets) 23–27 |
John Rauch | [102] | ||
| 1969 | 1969 | AFL | Western^ | 1st^ | 12 | 1 | 1 | Won Divisional playoffs (Oilers) Lost AFL Championship (Chiefs) 7–17 |
Daryle Lamonica (MVP) | John Madden | [103] | |
| 1970 | 1970 | NFL | AFC | West^ | 1st^ | 8 | 4 | 2 | Won Divisional playoffs (Dolphins) Lost AFC Championship (at Colts) 17–27 |
John Madden | [104] | |
| 1971 | 1971 | NFL | AFC | West | 2nd | 8 | 4 | 2 | John Madden | [105] | ||
| 1972 | 1972 | NFL | AFC | West^ | 1st^ | 10 | 3 | 1 | Lost Divisional playoffs (at Steelers) 7–13 | John Madden | [106] | |
| 1973 | 1973 | NFL | AFC | West^ | 1st^ | 9 | 4 | 1 | Won Divisional playoffs (Steelers) Lost AFC Championship (at Dolphins) 10–27 |
John Madden | [107] | |
| 1974 | 1974 | NFL | AFC | West^ | 1st^ | 12 | 2 | 0 | Won Divisional playoffs (Dolphins) 28–26 Lost AFC Championship (Steelers) 13–24 |
Ken Stabler (MVP, OPOY) | John Madden | [108] |
| 1975 | 1975 | NFL | AFC | West^ | 1st^ | 11 | 3 | 0 | Won Divisional playoffs (Bengals) Lost AFC Championship (at Steelers) 10–16 |
John Madden | [109] | |
| 1976 | 1976 | NFL† | AFC* | West^ | 1st^ | 13 | 1 | 0 | Won Divisional playoffs (Patriots) Won AFC Championship (Steelers) Won Super Bowl XI (1) (vs. Vikings) 32–14 |
Fred Biletnikoff (SB MVP) | John Madden | [110] |
| 1977 | 1977 | NFL | AFC | West | 2nd# | 11 | 3 | 0 | Won Divisional playoffs (at Colts) 37–31 (2 OT) Lost AFC Championship (at Broncos) 17–20 |
John Madden | [111] | |
| 1978 | 1978 | NFL | AFC | West | 2nd | 9 | 7 | 0 | John Madden | [112] | ||
| 1979 | 1979 | NFL | AFC | West | 4th | 9 | 7 | 0 | Tom Flores | [113] | ||
| 1980 | 1980 | NFL† | AFC* | West | 2nd# | 11 | 5 | 0 | Won Wild Card playoffs (Oilers) Won Divisional playoffs (at Browns) 14–12 Won AFC Championship (at Chargers) 34–27 Won Super Bowl XV (2) (vs. Eagles) 27–10 |
Lester Hayes (DPOY) Jim Plunkett (CBPOY, SB MVP) |
Tom Flores | [114] |
| 1981 | 1981 | NFL | AFC | West | 4th | 7 | 9 | 0 | Tom Flores | [115] | ||
| Oakland Raiders (1995–2019) | ||||||||||||
| 1995 | 1995 | NFL | AFC | West | 5th | 8 | 8 | 0 | Mike White | [116] | ||
| 1996 | 1996 | NFL | AFC | West | 4th | 7 | 9 | 0 | Mike White | [117] | ||
| 1997 | 1997 | NFL | AFC | West | 4th | 4 | 12 | 0 | Charles Woodson (DROY) | Joe Bugel | [118] | |
| 1998 | 1998 | NFL | AFC | West | 2nd | 8 | 8 | 0 | Jon Gruden | [119] | ||
| 1999 | 1999 | NFL | AFC | West | 3rd | 8 | 8 | 0 | Jon Gruden | [120] | ||
| 2000 | 2000 | NFL | AFC | West^ | 1st^ | 12 | 4 | 0 | Won Divisional playoffs (Dolphins) Lost AFC Championship (Ravens) 3–16 |
Jon Gruden | [121] | |
| 2001 | 2001 | NFL | AFC | West^ | 1st^ | 10 | 6 | 0 | Won Wild Card playoffs (Jets) Lost Divisional playoffs (at Patriots) 13–16 (OT) |
Jon Gruden | [122] | |
| 2002 | 2002 | NFL | AFC* | West^ | 1st^ | 11 | 5 | 0 | Won Divisional playoffs (Jets) Won AFC Championship (Titans) Lost Super Bowl XXXVII (vs. Buccaneers) 21–48 |
Rich Gannon (MVP) | Bill Callahan | [123] |
| 2003 | 2003 | NFL | AFC | West | 3rd | 4 | 12 | 0 | Bill Callahan | [124] | ||
| 2004 | 2004 | NFL | AFC | West | 4th | 5 | 11 | 0 | Norv Turner | [125] | ||
| 2005 | 2005 | NFL | AFC | West | 4th | 4 | 12 | 0 | Norv Turner | [126] | ||
| 2006 | 2006 | NFL | AFC | West | 4th | 2 | 14 | 0 | Art Shell | [127] | ||
| 2007 | 2007 | NFL | AFC | West | 4th | 4 | 12 | 0 | Lane Kiffin | [128] | ||
| 2008 | 2008 | NFL | AFC | West | 3rd | 5 | 11 | 0 | Lane Kiffin (1–3) Tom Cable (4–8) |
[129] | ||
| 2009 | 2009 | NFL | AFC | West | 3rd | 5 | 11 | 0 | Tom Cable | [130] | ||
| 2010 | 2010 | NFL | AFC | West | 3rd | 8 | 8 | 0 | Tom Cable | [131] | ||
| 2011 | 2011 | NFL | AFC | West | 3rd | 8 | 8 | 0 | Hue Jackson | [132] | ||
| 2012 | 2012 | NFL | AFC | West | 3rd | 4 | 12 | 0 | Dennis Allen | [133] | ||
| 2013 | 2013 | NFL | AFC | West | 4th | 4 | 12 | 0 | Dennis Allen | [134] | ||
| 2014 | 2014 | NFL | AFC | West | 4th | 3 | 13 | 0 | Khalil Mack (DROY) | Dennis Allen (0–4) Tony Sparano (3–9) |
[135] | |
| 2015 | 2015 | NFL | AFC | West | 3rd | 7 | 9 | 0 | Amari Cooper, Derek Carr, Khalil Mack, Donald Penn (Pro Bowl) | Jack Del Rio | [136] | |
| 2016 | 2016 | NFL | AFC | West | 2nd# | 12 | 4 | 0 | Lost Wild Card playoffs (at Texans) 14–27 | Khalil Mack (DPOY) | Jack Del Rio | [137] |
| 2017 | 2017 | NFL | AFC | West | 3rd | 6 | 10 | 0 | Jack Del Rio | [138] | ||
| 2018 | 2018 | NFL | AFC | West | 4th | 4 | 12 | 0 | Jon Gruden | [139] | ||
| 2019 | 2019 | NFL | AFC | West | 3rd | 7 | 9 | 0 | Jon Gruden | [140] | ||
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Click here to open the "Oakland Raiders" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
- Parker, Craig (2003). Football's Blackest Hole: A Fan's Perspective. Frog, Ltd.; Berkeley, California. p. 69.
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional sports analysis or advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding sports history, team management, or player statistics. Always refer to official league and team resources and consult with qualified experts for specific insights.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.