Lane Kiffin ‘saddened’ by death of Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis

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Lane Kiffin’s tenure with the Oakland Raiders ended poorly in 2008, but USC’s coach said Saturday that he was saddened by the death of Raiders owner Al Davis.

Davis made Kiffin the youngest coach in Raiders history when he hired him in January 2007. The relationship became contentious and ended four games into Kiffin’s second season with Davis calling the coach ‘a flat-out liar.’

‘I was very saddened this morning to learn of the passing of Al Davis,’ Kiffin said in a statement. ‘He was an iconic figure in the history of professional football and built a truly legendary franchise with the Raiders.

‘I consider myself fortunate to have known him and to have been a part of that Raiders history. Even though our relationship did not end the way I would have liked, I have nothing but the greatest respect for Mr. Davis and I truly appreciate the opportunity he afforded me and so many young coaches, players and staff.

‘My thoughts go out to his family and to the family and fans of the Raiders past and present.’

More later at latimes.com/sports

-- Gary Klein

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