A day after finishing their 2023 season with a 27-14 win over the Denver Broncos, reports indicate the Las Vegas Raiders have narrowed their early head coaching search to just two candidates.
Jordan Schultz, an NFL insider with Bleacher Report, reported Monday that owner Mark Davis is considering interim head coach Antonio Pierce and current University of Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh to lead his team on the field in 2024 and beyond.
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It’s an interesting quandary for Davis, who saw Pierce take a downtrodden Raiders locker room after the firing of Josh McDaniels and finished the season at 5-4. In Harbaugh’s case, he’s still at Michigan and coaching in the college football national championship game on Monday.
With Harbaugh, Schultz said he has expressed internally to those close to him about his desire to move back to the NFL. Harbaugh was the 2011 NFL Coach of the Year after taking a San Francisco 49ers team that went 6-10 in 2010 to the NFC Championship game in his first season. Harbaugh was the first NFL coach in history to take a team to the NFL Championship game in his first three seasons.
The Las Vegas Raiders along with the Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Commanders have displayed interest in Harbaugh, according to Schultz.
This reflects his standing within NFL circles and highlights the potential positive influence he could have on a franchise like the Raiders. His impressive track record in the NFL speaks volumes. Harbaugh is also believed to be the best coaching candidate to quickly improve whatever situation he walks into. He has a history of turning around both college teams and the 49ers during his tenure.
Antonio Pierce is in good standing despite Jim Harbaugh rumors
Schultz also added that most observers have already acknowledged that Pierce has done a fine job since taking over in a challenging situation. He’s created a positive culture and an environment that has resulted in more success. Raiders veterans like Maxx Crosby and Davante Adams have all endorsed their current coach and expressed publicly they’d like to see him get the job.
That’s holding a lot of weight with Davis, as Schultz reported he’s the only other candidate under consideration.
Pierce’s excellent rapport with the team and his ability to inspire the players are key to his candidacy. The support he receives from the locker room and star players suggests he has earned the respect and trust needed to lead. This internal backing could be an advantage during the hiring process.
Mark Davis must make a tough choice in Las Vegas Raiders head coach search
This decision is pivotal for Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis. The Raiders have yet to retain a head coach for more than three seasons since Jon Gruden’s first stint with the team from 1998-2001. Gruden was traded by late owner Al Davis to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2001.
The report also noted Davis admires both candidates but appears intrigued by the idea of bringing in a coach like Harbaugh. The appeal of having a “big name coach” to lead the Raiders iconic brand appeals to Davis. However, it was also noted that Harbaugh may want more control than some teams are willing to give, including input on the general manager position. That could be a breaking point, as the Raiders had brutal luck the last time they allowed that control to Gruden in 2020-21.
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Money is not a determining factor, the report says, as all three teams courting Harbaugh are willing to pay could be a $125 million plus. That’s what’s reportedly been offered to Harbaugh to stay at Michigan.
As the Raiders begin the search and interview process, which must conform to the NFL’s diversity hiring guideline, The Rooney Rule, all attention is focused on Pierce and Harbaugh. This decision holds importance for the team as it could shape its path for the future. While Pierce brings continuity and has already proven himself within the organization, Harbaugh’s reputation and track record presents an opportunity for a team looking to raise its standing in the league.