Former Arizona State defensive coordinator Antonio Pierce was named the Las Vegas Raiders interim head coach after they fired Josh McDaniels. Pierce now has an opportunity to be named the team’s head coach for the foreseeable future.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Interim coach Antonio Pierce has emerged as the leading candidate to become the full-time head coach in Las Vegas, with the support of key players there, per league sources. There will be other options for Raiders’ owner Mark Davis to consider, but as one source said, “I would be… pic.twitter.com/KhLmROeGAJ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 13, 2024
Pierce’s Success
Pierce was named Interim head coach after the team started the season 3-5 under Josh McDaniels. Following the firing of McDaniels, Pierce was elevated from linebackers coach to Interim head coach.
The team immediately improved and finished with a 5-4 record following the move. This includes their dominating 63-21 victory against the Chargers and 20-14 victory against the Chiefs. The difference was evident with Pierce under the helm and teams around the league took notice of it.
The @raiders have broken their franchise record for most points scored in a game after blowing out the @chargers last night 63-21 🤯. Do you think they have a shot at the playoffs under new head coach #AntonioPierce? pic.twitter.com/kpG2ADLAgL
— Thizzler On The Roof (@TheThizzler) December 15, 2023
ASU fans are very familiar with Pierce, as he was on the coaching staff from 2017-2022. While he did become their defensive coordinator in 2021, he resigned in 2022 after NCAA violations within the program.
Support From The Team
Not only are Raiders fans pushing for Pierce to be named head coach, but the team’s players are also doing so. Some of their top guys including Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby have voiced their support for the former linebacker.
Maxx Crosby: If we don't hire Antonio Pierce, I have to consider everything. https://t.co/B1zp5GKGgP
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 13, 2024
Pierce has also gained interest from other NFL teams in need of a head coach, as he completed an interview for the Tennesse Titans’ head coaching job Saturday.
The #Titans completed an interview today with Antonio Pierce for the head coach position.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 13, 2024
While it is clear that the Raiders’ fan base and players want Pierce to remain head coach, the team will continue to weigh their options.
We will keep you updated on this as more news comes out in the coming weeks.
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Saleh Awwad is a writer/reporter covering Phoenix High School Sports, Arizona State Sun Devils, and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @SalehAwwad_
