The new #Raiders coach: Antonio Pierce.
Players will be psyched. And now Maxx Crosby doesn’t need to ask to be traded. pic.twitter.com/x3UrMKfMtu
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 19, 2024
Responding to the overwhelming support from players and fans, the Las Vegas Raiders have finalized their decision to appoint Antonio Pierce as the team’s full-time head coach. Initially reported by several sources, including Adam Schefter, this move signifies a new era for the Raiders under Pierce’s guidance.
Pierce, who admirably finished the season with a 5-4 record as interim head coach, stepped in after the departure of Josh McDaniels on Halloween. His leadership led the Raiders to an overall 8-9 season, demonstrating his capability and earning him widespread acclaim.
A native of Compton and a lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Raiders, Pierce’s appointment feels like destiny fulfilled. He once remarked that he was “born to be the team’s coach,” a statement that resonates deeply given his recent success. During his interim tenure, Pierce led the Raiders to impressive feats, including setting a team record with a 63-21 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers and securing a memorable Christmas Day win in Kansas City. These achievements, especially a 3-1 record in the AFC West, highlight his potential as a head coach.
Under Pierce’s leadership, the Raiders have shown remarkable improvement, particularly on defense. The team played disciplined and intelligent football, a testament to Pierce’s coaching philosophy. At 45, Pierce’s journey to this role has been unconventional. He transitioned from being a linebackers coach in Las Vegas after serving as a top assistant at Arizona State. Before his NFL coaching career, Pierce was known as a nine-year veteran and a Super Bowl-winning linebacker, with his only other head coaching experience being at Long Beach Poly High School.
Owner Mark Davis, impressed by Pierce’s performance, opted for stability over a more high-profile hire like Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh. This decision underscores Davis’s belief in Pierce’s vision and leadership qualities.
Corroborating reports from CBS Sports NFL Lead Insider Jonathan Jones reveal that Pierce’s influence within the Raiders organization is profound. He was instrumental in revitalizing the team’s defense and overall performance. Notably, the Raiders defense, under Pierce, held the high-scoring Miami Dolphins at bay and scored defensive touchdowns in consecutive games against the Chargers and Chiefs – a feat not seen since the 2012 New England Patriots.
Pierce’s impact extends beyond the field. His leadership resonated so strongly that star pass rusher Maxx Crosby was reported to have considered requesting a trade if Pierce were not made the full-time head coach. Such statements underline the respect and support Pierce commands in the locker room.
Before his NFL coaching career, Pierce had an illustrious playing career as an undrafted linebacker, starting in 2001 with Washington and later with the New York Giants. He was a key figure in a Super Bowl-winning defense and earned Pro Bowl honors in 2006. Post-retirement in 2010, Pierce embarked on his coaching journey, beginning at Long Beach Poly High School, and later moved to Arizona State, where he served in various coaching roles before joining the Raiders.
As Antonio Pierce hires staff in Las Vegas, one name expected to be there is former #Bengals coach Marvin Lewis.
Pierce brought in Lewis — who coached him in Washington — to help him after getting the interim job. Now Lewis is expected to be on staff in a more formal capacity.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 19, 2024
With a new chapter unfolding, Pierce is poised to guide the Raiders to greater heights. His deep connection to the team’s ethos, combined with his proven tactical acumen, positions him uniquely to lead the Raiders into a promising future. The Raider Nation, having witnessed a spark of resurgence, is hopeful and excited for what the Pierce era will bring to this storied franchise.
