He is at home among offensive linemen, teaching his zone-blocking technique and ways to win one-on-one battles. More times than not, Cable finds a way to succeed.

So, imagine his surprise when he stepped beyond his "trade" as an offensive line coach, became interim head coach of the Raiders and confronted the task of ridding them of their losing mentality. He found the undertaking more daunting than an on-rushing defensive end.

"The mind-set and the culture of negativity and everything that has gone on here the last (six) years, I thought I could come in and just grab it and beat it up and take it out," Cable said Monday. "And it didn't work like that."

Yet, the formidable challenge gave ground as Cable settled in as the replacement for the fired Lane Kiffin after the Raiders lost three of their first four games this season.

The Raiders won three of their final six games, defeated four teams that won eight or nine games and entered the offseason on a high that hasn't been felt in these parts since the 2002 season.

"Any time you're trying to grow as a team and find your direction, stability in the coaching staff is key," running back Justin Fargas said Monday. "For this team, we need some stability, something consistent that we can rely on and build on. We have established something good here this last half of the season, and, hopefully, we can continue to build on it."

Cable's return is in the hands of managing general partner Al Davis. Yet, the many issues confronting the Raiders as they enter the offseason await whoever the coach turns out to be.

Here's a look at some of the most-pressing offseason issues concerning the Raiders:

1. Deciding the futures of Asomugha and Lechler: Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and punter Shane Lechler can lay claim to being the best at their respective positions. Pro Bowl selections bolster their cases.

Resolving their situations will be costly, one way or the other.

Asomugha stands to earn $11,718,000 a guaranteed 20 percent raise from the $9,765,000 he earned this season if the Raiders use the exclusive franchise tag on him a second straight season, which would prevent other teams from making him a contract offer.

The only other options are to work out a long-term contract, let Asomugha leave after six seasons or apply the nonexclusive franchise tag, which would provide the Raiders two first-round draft picks, if another team signs him.

Lechler earned $1.85 million each of the past three seasons. Money likely won't be the issue with him. He has soured on the Raiders' losing ways and is interested in a change of scenery. The Raiders braced themselves for his likely departure by signing free agent Ricky Schmitt late in the season.

2. Finding a big-play receiver: Javon Walker contributed 15 receptions in eight games for the $12 million he earned this season. Drew Carter earned $2 million without making it past training camp because of a knee injury. Both were signed as free agents this past offseason.

So much for Oakland's projected starters. Walker and Carter might be welcomed back next season, but the Raiders need a sure thing.

Johnnie Lee Higgins, Chaz Schilens and Ashley Lelie showed that they merit roster spots, if not top billing. The Raiders need to think big, spend big and score big in the free-agent market or with their first-round draft pick think Michael Crabtree here, folks.

3. Bolstering the offensive line: The Raiders signed 49ers castoff Kwame Harris and re-signed veteran Cornell Green in hopes of solidifying their offensive tackle issues. Harris started well at left tackle but crumbled under a sea of penalties and missed blocks before being benched late in the season. Green started all 16 games at right tackle but turns 33 before next season.

Therefore, the Raiders find themselves in need of finding at least one tackle. Several top-tier prospects figure to be available in the 2009 NFL draft.

4. Assembling a coaching staff: Wide receivers coach James Lofton is the only coach signed beyond Jan. 13. It is vital that Davis decides sooner rather than later whether Cable or someone else is the best fit at coach. Draft preparation starts now, and the coaching staff plays a key role in the process.

5. Improving the defense: The Raiders traded for cornerback DeAngelo Hall, re-signed defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, added strong safety Gibril Wilson and defensive end Kalimba Edwards in attempting to shore up their depth this past offseason.

In the end, it amounted to rearranging the furniture. In the 32-team NFL the Raiders ranked 27th in yards allowed, 24th in points allowed and 31st against the run.

Besides Asomugha, the Raiders lacked a game-altering player on defense. They need to find one or more in free agency or else expect similar results next season.

Contact Steve Corkran at scorkran@bayareanewsgroup.com.Offseason checklist1. DECIDE ON Asomugha, Lechler: Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and punter Shane Lechler are Pro Bowlers and prospective free agents. The Raiders need to determine whether it is better to commit millions to re-signing them or using that money on new players. 2. Find a big-play receiver: The Raiders whiffed on free agents Javon Walker and Drew Carter, above. None of their wide receivers caught more than 22 passes. The Raiders need a bona fide No. 1 receiver in a big way. 3. Bolster the offensive line: Free-agent acquisition Kwame Harris, who was benched for the final three games of the season after 11 starts at left tackle, fell from favor, and right tackle Cornell Green's best years are behind him. 4. Assemble a coaching staff: Wide receivers coach James Lofton is the only coach under contract beyond Jan. 13. It is imperative that managing general partner Al Davis decide quickly on his head coach so that the staff can be filled out in time for offseason work. 5. ImprovE defense: The Raiders need to add more game-changing players to a defense that got pushed around too often this season.How they rankedWhere the Raiders ranked among the 32 NFL teams: Avg. perCategory Rank gameTotal offense 29 272.2Rush offense 10 124.2Pass offense 32 148.1Total defense 27 360.9Rush defense 31 159.7Pass defense 10 201.2Inside Reports on coaching search so much 'pie against the wall.' Page 2Offseason checklist 1. DECIDE ON Asomugha, Lechler: Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and punter Shane Lechler are Pro Bowlers and prospective free agents. The Raiders need to determine whether it is better to commit millions to re-signing them or using that money on new players. 2. Find a big-play receiver: The Raiders whiffed on free agents Javon Walker and Drew Carter. None of their wide receivers caught more than 22 passes. The Raiders need a bona fide No. 1 receiver in a big way. 3. Bolster the offensive line: Free-agent acquisition Kwame Harris, who was benched for the final three games of the season after 11 starts at left tackle, fell from favor, and right tackle Cornell Green's best years are behind him. 4. Assemble a coaching staff: Wide receivers coach James Lofton is the only coach under contract beyond Jan. 13. It is imperative that managing general partner Al Davis decide quickly on his head coach so that the staff can be filled out in time for offseason work. 5. Improving defense: The Raiders need to add more game-changing players to a defense that got pushed around too often this season.-- Steve Corkran