His eyes showed where his thoughts really were as they wandered from time to time, almost wishing to see Tom Cable Sr. in the auditorium.

"I talked to him the night before he passed," Cable said of his father, who died of pancreatic cancer Jan. 8. "We talked about everything that was going on. It was the greatest conversation I've ever had with my father. I was scheduled to go up there the next day, but I didn't quite get there.

"He'd be very proud."

Cable wishes his father could have been here three weeks later when he became a full-fledged NFL head coach, getting Davis' nod of approval over Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride.

Cable's promotion comes five months after he took over the team from fired head coach Lane Kiffin on an interim basis. He went 4-8 while winning three of the final six, including the last two games of the season.

The reason it took 37 days to rehire Cable was twofold, Davis said. Davis decided to delay the process when Cable's father died. Then, once Davis picked Cable last Thursday, he wanted to wait until after Super Bowl weekend so the news wouldn't detract attention.

The coaching staff didn't wait at all. Davis said he gave Cable and the other finalist the green light to hire a staff weeks ago, though Cable's guys were the only ones being signed.

Davis did not confirm Gilbride was the other finalist, but he spoke glowingly of his candidacy. Packers assistant Winston Moss was the only other person known to interview.

Davis was adamant Cable was the one hiring assistants, even though he was not under contract. There is no offensive coordinator as Cable will continue to call the plays.

Cable got a two-year contract with two option years. His salary was not disclosed.

"He hired every assistant coach," Davis said. "I did not hire one. I'm not sure I agree with every one, but I think it's a hell of a staff."

But, is there a quality team to match?

Cable said yes with vein-popping conviction. Never mind that Oakland has lost 11 or more games in six straight seasons.

"The Oakland Raiders are back," Cable said. "We're going to win Football games and we're going to be a playoff team. You hear me?"

Davis had more measured expectations, and he's the one who has fired or traded five head coaches since 2002.

"I do like to win Super Bowls, but I'm also realistic," Davis said. "I know where we are. We have to do a little bit more to win the division, but winning Super Bowls? No, I don't think this team is ready yet."