Jackson was brought in prior to the 2010 season and took over the play-calling duties from Cable and turned around an offense that had slumped in recent seasons. Oakland scored more than twice as many points in 2010 than in 2009, as the Raiders avoided their eighth consecutive losing season.
Those credentials impressed Davis and paved the way for him to elevate Jackson's status with Oakland.
Under Jackson, the Raiders have improved. On Sunday, the Raiders rallied for a 25-20 road win against the Houston Texans and raised their record to 3-2.
Jackson endured one of the toughest moments of his career Saturday, when he announced Davis' death to the team. The emotions spilled over to Sunday's contest and during the postgame news conference.
"Trust me when I tell you this is coach Davis' football team," Jackson told the Associated Press. "I'm just getting the opportunity to run it and lead it. Everything I do is with every thought [with him]. That's going to be my guiding light as I go through this season.
"[Saturday] was a tough day, but I could see the gleam in their eyes. They weren't going to stop fighting. We truly, honestly believed that coach was here with us [Sunday]. I believe that wholeheartedly. I know he's looking down on this team and he's with us every step of the way."
The Raiders, who are in second place in the American Football Conference's West Division, will meet the visiting Cleveland Browns at 1 p.m. Sunday.
REID FEELING HEAT IN PHILLY
Things have not gone as planned for the Philadelphia Eagles, who are led by Coach Andy Reid, a former Glendale Community College football player. Philadelphia spent plenty of money during the offseason to bring in some big-name free agents who have yet to pan out.
