The Las Vegas Raiders have announced that Antonio Pierce will be their full-time head coach, finalizing a deal that has been in the works for some time. Pierce, a former linebacker, took over as the team’s interim head coach after the firing of Josh McDaniels in late October. During his tenure as interim coach, Pierce led the Raiders to a 5-4 record over nine games.
Pierce’s coaching career with the Raiders began in 2022 when he joined the team as a linebackers coach. He quickly became a favorite among the players, with star edge rusher Maxx Crosby reportedly threatening to request a trade if Pierce was not hired as the head coach.
Under Pierce’s leadership, the Raiders achieved some notable victories. They defeated Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium, marking their second win in Kansas City since 2012. Additionally, the team scored a franchise-record 63 points in a win over the Los Angeles Chargers.
Pierce’s hiring as head coach makes him the sixth active Black head coach in the NFL, joining the ranks of Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers), DeMeco Ryans (Houston Texans), Todd Bowles (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Mike McDaniel (Miami Dolphins), and Jerod Mayo (New England Patriots).
However, Pierce’s coaching style has not been without controversy. In one incident, he tried to motivate the team by referencing the 2007 New York Giants’ mindset when they defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. This move drew the ire of former head coach Josh McDaniels, who chastised Pierce for mentioning the Patriots.
Despite the criticism, Pierce’s success as interim head coach and the support of the players ultimately led to his appointment as the full-time head coach of the Raiders. The team is hopeful that Pierce’s leadership will continue to bring success on the field and help guide the Raiders to future victories.
