Wide receiver Mike Williams, quarterback Andrew Walter and running back LaMont Jordan can attest to the importance placed on body language by Kiffin. Their perceived "language" played into extended stays on the sideline last season or a place in the unemployment line.

Make of it what you will, then, but Kiffin coached the North team in the Senior Bowl yesterday in a black Under Armour jacket, while his assistants sported gear adorned with the Raiders logo.

Don't mistake that for a coincidence in light of Raiders managing general partner Al Davis reportedly drafting a resignation letter and sending it to Kiffin's representatives for Kiffin to sign almost two weeks ago.

Several Raiders officials Friday vehemently denied that Davis has stripped Kiffin of any authority over things such as personnel and coaching moves. However, they refused to confirm or deny the little matter of a resignation letter sent at Davis' behest.

Wide receiver Jerry Porter and several of his teammates were contacted for this story. Porter and the others either said they don't want to comment or don't know enough about the situation to feel comfortable weighing in just yet.

Kiffin, for his part, has stayed above the fray, at least publicly. Yesterday, he once again sidestepped the chaos.

"I'm not going to comment on that," Kiffin said to reporters after the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. "That's got nothing to do with this game, these guys' last game here, and I'm real proud of the way they played and competed. It was a fun week."

Kiffin provided a ray of hope for those who side with the coach and not Davis, when asked if he expected to be coaching the Raiders this season.

"I hope so," Kiffin said.

Davis has yet to be heard from.

It bears noting that former Raiders coach Jon Gruden presided over his season-ending news conference at the conclusion of the 2001 season devoid of Raiders attire. He was shown the door a short time later.

An NFL Network reporter said Davis and Kiffin's representatives are working on a settlement that would free Kiffin from a contract that runs through the 2009 season. One person in the Raiders front office said that's a possibility but far from an imminent solution.

If Kiffin doesn't return, the Raiders would be the first team since the Minnesota Vikings in 1984 and `85 to go consecutive seasons with one-and-done coaches.

Parting ways with Kiffin likely would make it difficult for Davis to bring in a successor with any credibility. Davis made an overture to Kiffin a year ago, but only after USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian turned down the offer.

"This is not a black hole for coaches," Davis said at Kiffin's introductory news conference. "It's a great opportunity for coaches. And a lot of coaches have come through the ranks here. We must have about five or six head coaches out there today who came through the ranks here."

In other news, the Raiders requested permission from the Washington Redskins to interview offensive coordinator Al Saunders. That became a moot point when the Redskins fired Saunders yesterday.