Pep Hamilton Met with the Raiders on Sunday Night

Earlier today, we mentioned the report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport that Colts offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton won't interview with teams interested in him for their head coaching vacancy this week as the Colts prepare for the Divisional Round of the playoffs.  The Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills have both expressed interest in Hamilton, and it turns out the Raiders met with Hamilton on Sunday night.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie interviewed Colts OC Pep Hamilton in Indianapolis’ on Sunday night after Indy’s wild-card win, per source.</p>&mdash; Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/552180806140313600">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Clarifying on Pep Hamilton (after <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter">@AdamSchefter</a>’s tweet). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Raiders?src=hash">#Raiders</a> GM Reggie McKenzie did talk with him 1-on-1, not larger formal interview.</p>&mdash; Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/552182068793597954">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

And if you needed any confirmation, Colts head coach Chuck Pagano did confirm this afternoon that Hamilton met with the Raiders on Sunday evening after the game - before adding that he doesn't want to lose his offensive coordinator:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Pagano on Hamilton: "Do I want to lose the guy? No. I hope it doesn’t work out (smiles).&quot;</p>&mdash; Kevin Bowen (@KBowenColts) <a href="https://twitter.com/KBowenColts/status/552212945791623168">January 5, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

ESPN's Josina Anderson reported this on the Raiders' meeting with Pep Hamilton:

A source tells me that Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie "came away impressed" after his meeting with Colts offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton Sunday evening. Sources say that McKenzie was not personally familiar with Hamilton prior to said meeting but had heard good things, and really wanted the opportunity to get to know Hamilton better first. The Raiders see the potential for Hamilton to develop their young quarterback Derek Carr, much as the Bills (who still await their own interview with him) see the potential for Hamilton to similarly mold E.J. Manuel, the source said.

So, while it sounds like Hamilton won't be meeting with teams this week, he did meet with Raiders' general manager Reggie McKenzie on Sunday night in Indianapolis after Hamilton called a great game and helped the Colts to a big playoff win.  That game certainly can't hurt Hamilton's chances.