eh, it was pretty clear that the Gruden signing was above McKenzie's head... it was a Mark Davis move. And it's pretty obvious when given such a big contract that you're going to have decision making power.
but this is being overblown quite a bit. McKenzie turned down an offer to interview for Green Bay's GM vacancy this offseason. If Gruden had such overwhelming power, Reggie would have left.
and the original bleacher report article, as evidence, brings up the rumor that bruce allen was going to return to the raiders (he was with the raiders during Gruden's original stint)... and yet