Apparently unless you are applying for a head coaching position during the divisional week of the AFC Playoffs the only way you are getting to Oakland through Denver is the next time the Broncos visit the Raiders at O.co Coliseum.

Former Denver defensive coordinator Dennis Allen turned current Oakland head coach was today denied permission to speak to current Broncos' linebacker coach Richard Smith according to ESPN.com.

You will remember that Smith was amongst the few candidates to replace Allen at defensive coordinator, a job that eventually went to former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio.

I am assuming that the Raiders were seeking Smith to interview as the defensive coordinator in Oakland. A position that he could be next in line for if Del Rio were to skip town as quickly as the last six defensive coordinators Denver has employed.