The Las Vegas Raiders Name Antonio Pierce as Full-Time Coach
The Las Vegas Raiders have announced that Antonio Pierce will be the team’s full-time coach, removing the interim tag from his title. Pierce, who was previously the linebackers coach, took over the role after the firing of Josh McDaniels. His leadership and ability to embrace the team’s culture have garnered support from players and alumni alike. Under Pierce’s guidance, the Raiders finished the season with a 5-4 record.
Pierce’s Background and Impact on the Raiders
Pierce’s players-first mentality comes from his experience as a linebacker in the NFL, where he played for nine seasons with Washington and the New York Giants. He was a key member of the Giants team that won Super Bowl XLII. Despite the team’s 8-9 record, the Raiders have had two winning seasons and two playoff appearances since their Super Bowl appearance in 2003. Pierce is the seventh coach hired by Raiders owner Mark Davis since 2011.
Questions Surrounding Pierce’s Hiring
Raiders reporter Paul Gutierrez answers questions about the hiring of Pierce, including why the team chose to stick with him instead of pursuing a bigger name. Gutierrez explains that Pierce’s understanding of the team’s culture and heritage, as well as his ability to change the culture and win games, played a significant role in the decision. The support of the players also influenced the decision, with All-Pros Davante Adams, Josh Jacobs, and Maxx Crosby expressing their desire for Pierce to be retained.
Impact on the General Manager Position
Gutierrez discusses the potential influence of Pierce’s hiring on the upcoming decision at the general manager position. He notes that the NFL often gives coaches more say in personnel matters, and Pierce being hired before a GM suggests a continuation of that trend. Gutierrez also highlights the connection between interim general manager Champ Kelly and Pierce, but cautions that previous connections between GMs and coaches have not always worked out.
Pierce’s Influence on the Quarterback Situation
Gutierrez addresses the question of whether Pierce’s hiring indicates that rookie QB Aidan O’Connell will be the Raiders’ QB1 in 2024. He explains that while O’Connell showed promise in the final games of the season, the Raiders are still in search of a franchise quarterback. Gutierrez discusses the potential options in the current QB market and the upcoming draft, noting that drafting a quarterback may require a trade up.
Insights from Around the League
National reporter Jeremy Fowler provides insights from industry sources, including the Raiders’ interest in Jim Harbaugh and the questions surrounding Pierce’s contract and offensive coordinator. Draft analyst Matt Miller discusses potential quarterback options for the Raiders at the No. 13 pick in the draft, highlighting Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy as an intriguing fit. Front office analyst Mike Tannenbaum gives the hiring a grade of B, praising Pierce’s leadership qualities but emphasizing the importance of adding veteran coaches to his staff.