NFL coaches aren’t doing any actual coaching during this locked-out offseason, a factor that likely will be a major disadvantage to the seven new head coaches around the league.

Like several of the new hires, Oakland’s Hue Jackson isn’t a new face in town. Jackson was promoted from offensive coordinator, replacing Tom Cable, and is tasked with the challenge of guiding the Raiders to their first winning record in eight seasons.

NFL.com personnel guru Gil Brandt calls Jackson a “great hire,” and suggests the Raiders — whom he has at No. 16 in his offseason rankings– could be a team on the verge of something special.

“This was a great hire for a number of reasons,” Brandt said during his weekly live chat. “One, he’s got a special talent as far as relating to and motivating players. Two, he’ll call plays — he was very good at that with other teams. Jackson was a great hire, and if they can get some offensive line help, this team can do special things.”

The playoffs — where the Raiders haven’t been since 2003 — would be a great start.

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