Al Saunders became the first candidate to interview for the Raiders' head coaching vacancy on Wednesday, meeting for several hours with owner Al Davis and senior assistant Michael Lombardi in Alameda. The team said it has not spoken to any other candidates, despite radio and Internet reports that Lombardi flew to Chicago last week to meet with Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera during the bye week. Norv Turner was dismissed as head coach Jan. 3. This is the second time Saunders, 58, the Chiefs' offensive coordinator the past five seasons, has interviewed with the Raiders. Davis spoke to him in 2002 before settling on Bill Callahan, and he and Saunders are well-acquainted. Meanwhile, Fresno State coach Pat Hill, a top candidate on the Raiders' short list who has interviewed with the Houston Texans, conducted some damage control Wednesday after a Fresno Bee story said his flirtation with the NFL was hurting the Bulldogs' recruiting efforts.