After dismissing Dennis Allen with just four games into the season, the Oakland Raiders are now aggressively in pursuit of their next head coach. After the Raiders fired Allen, Tony Sparano has been handling the team on an interim basis.

While Sparano has made it known that he would love to be the next head coach, the closest thing from that happening right now is that he is under consideration. Sparano was able to produce a 3-9 after taking over from Allen, not necessarily impressive in the eyes of the Raiders. Hence, it may all depend on who the Raiders are interviewing and they are busy interviewing candidates.

Among the candidates for the head coaching job include that of Eric Mangini. Mangini used to coach the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns and will be the first person to be interviewed for the coaching position. Mangini served as an offensive staff for the San Francisco 49ers the past two seasons but many believe that Mangini could be ripe for another head coaching journey.

Another name in the list of potential candidates for the Raiders is Jack Del Rio. Del Rio serves as a defensive coordinator for the Broncos and is reportedly a favorite to be the next Oakland Raiders head coach. Among his credentials include being the head coach for the Jaguars in 2003-2011 where he amassed a 68-71 record. That included two playoff appearances before the Jaguars gave him his walking papers.

While it is too early to speculate on whether early favorites Magini or Del Rio would bite, the Raiders may want to keep Sparano in the mix as well. For someone who took an interim basis, Sparano could be a wiser choice especially if the Raiders end up with a less than impressive coach to take on the head coaching reigns of the Raiders.