"After reportedly striking out with five other candidates for their defensive-coordinator job, the Raiders turned to a man with a master's degree in biochemistry and molecular biology.

After finishing 29th in the NFL in total defense, they're hoping 37-year-old Jason Tarver can outsmart the rest of the AFC West.

They named the former 49ers aide as their coordinator Monday, replacing Chuck Bresnahan, whom former head coach Hue Jackson publicly upbraided after the team lost four of its last five games."