While many around the NFL believe that Antonio Pierce is building a strong resume to become the Las Vegas Raiders official head coach in 2024, a new report suggests a different member of the staff will also be a serious candidate for the position.
After head coach Josh McDaniels was fired following another ugly loss in Week 9, Antonio Pierce was thrust into a very difficult position as the interim head coach. The former New York Giants star had been a coach at various levels for the last nine years but he had never come close to the job he was handed in November.
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However, it wasn’t long before there were clear signs on the positive influence he had on the team and the Raiders have performed far better since he took over as interim head coach. Despite having a messy quarterback situation, Las Vegas is 4-3 since McDaniels’ firing and have a chance of finishing with a .500 record despite beginning the season 1-3.
A key part of the success for the former linebackers coach has been the outstanding recent play of his defense. The unit has allowed the eighth fewest points in the league and have steadily climbed up our NFL defense rankings over the last few games. However, that success could also be problematic for his chances to become the full-time head coach next season.
Patrick Graham may have performed his way into Las Vegas Raiders head coach search
Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham deserves a lot of credit for how the defense has played this year, and Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer believes it could make him a serious contender for the head coach job after the season.
“It’s fair to think defensive coordinator Patrick Graham should be a viable candidate for the job, too. His defense has allowed just over 15 points per game over the seven that Pierce has been in charge. He’s done it with the team 31st in the NFL in cap space allotted to defensive players.
On Monday, his unit more or less single-handedly won the game — scoring twice, and holding Patrick Mahomes (235 yards, TD, INT) and Travis Kelce (five catches, 44 yards) in check. So, as a guy who’s interviewed for jobs before, it’d stand to reason that Graham would get a look from Davis.”
– Albert Breer
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