The Las Vegas Raiders are finalizing a deal to make Antonio Pierce their full-time head coach.
The previous linebacker is the league’s sixth lively Black head coach, becoming a member of Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers), DeMeco Ryans (Houston Texans), Todd Bowles (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Mike McDaniel (Miami Dolphins), and Jerod Mayo (New England Patriots).
Pierce took over because the Raiders’ interim head coach after the dismissal of Josh McDaniels in late October. Following the crew’s 3-5 begin underneath McDaniels, Pierce led the group to a 5-4 document over 9 video games. Las Vegas beat Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs within the crew’s second win in Arrowhead Stadium since 2012 and in addition scored a franchise-record 63 factors in a win over the Los Angeles Chargers.
Pierce started his skilled teaching profession with the Raiders as a linebackers coach in 2022.
The Tremendous Bowl XLII champion linebacker was a favourite among the many gamers. At one level through the Raiders’ head coach hiring course of, star edge rusher Maxx Crosby reportedly threatened to request a commerce if Antonio Pierce was not employed as the pinnacle coach.
“I want to be a Raider … but if we go in a different direction, there is nothing that is off the table,” Crosby stated, regarding the choice to rent Pierce.
Pierce additionally significantly drew the ire of former head coach McDaniels. In a single incident, Pierce tried to encourage the crew by citing the 2007 Giants’ mindset after they beat the New England Patriots. Whereas it clearly motivated the crew, McDaniels chewed him out for mentioning the Patriots.
