A league source tells us that the Raiders have finalized the hiring of former Chargers receivers coach James Lofton.  The Hall of Fame wideout, who twice interviewed for the head-coaching job in Oakland, will serve only as the receivers coach.  The hiring likely will be announced later today, tomorrow at the latest.

Current receivers coach Charles Coe is expected to be reassigned, possibly to a position not on the coaching staff.

Per the source, and contrary to far juicier reports that the move was made without the knowledge or involvement of head coach Lane Kiffin, Kiffin was involved in the interview and hiring process.

The addition of Lofton fills all of the major positions on the coaching staff, and results in a much less significant offseason shake-up than some had expected.

There were signs, for example, of a potential offensive overhaul, amid reports that the team had requested permission to interview former Redskins associate head coach-offense Al Saunders.  As we hear it, however, permission never was sought to speak with Saunders.  Instead, the issue arose only after the Redskins sought permission to speak with a member of the Raiders’ staff, presumably for the offensive coordinator position in D.C.  In response, the Raiders mentioned that, if the coach in question had been hired by the Redskins, the Raiders might then be interested in Saunders.

Moreover, the Raiders didn’t pursue Saunders after he was fired by the Redskins.