The Las Vegas Raiders culture and locker room changed in November after interim coach Antonio Pierce took over for Josh McDaniels. As Las Vegas now finds itself battling for a playoff spot, Pierce’s future in Las Vegas could come down to the wire.
Pierce was previously the Raiders’ linebackers coach until Oct. 31 when McDaniels became one of the first NFL coaches fired. Morale immediately improved and the team responded by winning its next two games, defeating the New York Jets and New York Giants to improve to 5-5.
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Amid a wave of momentum with strong support from the veteran locker room, Las Vegas was suddenly back in the playoff picture. However, it fell apart in the next three games with an 0-8 record that put the Raiders’ playoff hopes on the brink. While a Week 15 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers restored some faith in Las Vegas, it appears Pierce still has a long road ahead to secure the full-time gig.
On a recent episode of The Rich Eisen Show, guest host Suzy Shuster asked Tom Pelissero of NFL Network about Pierce’s future in Las Vegas and whether or not the Week 15 victory secured him the job in 2024.
“I don’t think it secured the job. Coming off an especially really, really disappointing type of game…There are players that like him a lot, Mark Davis is inclined, just based on his personality traits and the fact that he’s a Raider and all those things, to give Antonio Pierce a real look.”
Tom Pelissero on the status of interim Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce
Pierce, age 45, doesn’t have history on his side. Interim coaches are rarely given the full-time gig. Even when Rich Bisaccia took over for Jon Gruden and the Raiders made the playoffs, Las Vegas still cut ties with its interim coach. Barring a playoff appearance from the Raiders this season, it appears Pierce won’t land the gig either.
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Las Vegas is already one of three NFL franchises with a head-coaching vacancy, joined by the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Chargers. While each gig comes with its pros and cons, it appears the Raiders’ opening is well-regarded around the league.
What will come as no surprise to fans, as Pelissero notes, is the belief that Raiders’ owner Mark Davis will pursue a big name this spring.
“The Raiders job is potentially very attractive as well. Look at Mark Davis’ track record here, he’s always gone after the big fish, whether it was bringing back Jon Gruden or bringing in Josh McDaniels.
Tom Pelissero on the Las Vegas Raiders coaching search
The likeliest option would be Michigan Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh, who is increasingly likely to leave for an NFL job in 2024. Las Vegas could also pursue current head coaches like Bill Belichick and Mike Tomlin, both of whom could benefit from a change of scenery.
