The SF Chronicle’s David White quotes unnamed sources as claiming Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin has only a “50/50 chance” of remaining employed after today’s trip to Kansas City.

This has nothing to do with a potential 0-2 start, team officials say. This is about Kiffin’s perceived insubordination over the past seven months. He has continually criticized Al Davis (above) in the media since the NFL owner’s meeting and Davis is fed up with it.

That’s why a victory against the Chiefs may not buy Kiffin another week. Davis wants Kiffin to fall into line and cut out the public criticism. Kiffin doesn’t seem to be interested in those conditions.

Nothing will happen Sunday. Monday, they are saying, could be another story.

Consider wide receivers coach James Lofton to be on deck as a replacement. He interviewed for the Raiders job twice in the past three years before joining the staff as an assistant this year.

Linebackers coach Don Martindale and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan are also considered candidates. Since Kiffin is the offensive play caller, offensive coordinator Greg Knapp would take over those duties if Kiffin is fired.

Considering the direction of the franchise, would it surprise anyone if a future no.1 pick pulled an Elway/Eli and forced a trade rather than commit career suicide in Oakland?