Derek Carr has described Tony Sparano as "our leader" as he comes to the end of his spell as interim head coach of the Oakland Raiders.
The offensive coordinator was placed in charge for the rest of the season when Dennis Allen was fired just four games into the season, with the AFC West side yet to make a decision about next season's coaching staff.
The rookie quarterback told Bay Area News: "Yeah, we love him. He's our leader. Absolutely. We love him. Obviously, those decisions are going to happen, and we have no control in that. Those decisions will be made, and whoever is here is who we'll play for.
"But right now, coach Sparano is my leader. I love him 100%. He genuinely cares about me. He's pulled me into his office just to ask how I'm doing. Those kind of things from a head coach mean so much."
The Raiders have won just two of their 10 games since Sparano took charge, leaving them with a 2-12 record so far this season.
Sian Cowper
