Raiders announce Antonio Pierce as team’s next head coach
Jan 19, 2024, 12:53 PM | Updated: 5:23 pm
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 07: Interim head coach Antonio Pierce of the Las Vegas Raiders gestures to fans as he runs off the field after the team's 27-14 victory over the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Antonio Pierce is staying in Las Vegas.
According to multiple reports, the Raiders are finalizing a deal to make Pierce the team’s next head coach. While Las Vegas itself didn’t close the season with a winning record (8-9), Pierce finished with a 5-4 record after taking over from Josh McDaniels on Halloween night.
The Raiders later confirmed the news.
Pierce also interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans for their head coaching openings. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport added that interim OC Bo Hardegree is not expected to stay on Pierce’s staff.
Key stars on the team have stepped up to voice their support for Pierce. Before Week 18, both Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby said they wanted Pierce to return. One of the highlights during his tenure was when the Raiders set a new franchise record for most points scored in a game, putting up 63 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
What Raiders players have said about their new permanent HC Antonio Pierce:
🏈Davante Adams: "He embodies what it means to be a Raider and that mentality, that swag and all the things that he endorses is the things that I believe in."
🏈Maxx Crosby: "There's only 32 head… https://t.co/RvvGqHKap0
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2024
The next move for owner Mark Davis is to hire a general manager. Champ Kelly is currently the interim general manager.
READ MORE FROM SACTOWN SPORTS: Who are the Las Vegas Raiders 2024 opponents?
Who is Antonio Pierce?
Before picking up the clipboard, Pierce was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the then-Washington Redskins in 2001. He spent four seasons in Washington before finishing his career with the New York Giants where he won one Super Bowl.
After his playing career ended in 2009, he eventually found his way back on the sidelines, joining Arizona State as a linebackers coach in 2017. During his tenure, he would eventually add the titles of associate head coach and defensive coordinator before leaving in 2022.
Key offseason dates for the Raiders
- Sunday, Feb. 4th – Pro Bowl Games
- Sunday, Feb. 11th – Super Bowl LVIII, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
- Tuesday, Feb. 20th – Teams can begin franchising players until Tuesday, March 5th
- Tuesday, Feb. 27 – NFL Combine begins
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