After extensive begging from many interested parties, the Las Vegas Raiders finally parted ways with head coach Josh McDaniels. In his stead, former NFL linebacker Antonio Pierce has been promoted to interim head coach. Pierce was already with the franchise as this year’s LB coach.
Sources; Raiders are planning to name LB coach Antonio Pierce as their interim head coach. pic.twitter.com/ABVVZSCsV8
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 1, 2023
Josh McDaniels wasn’t the only member of the Las Vegas Raiders shown the door. The franchise also parted ways with general manager Dave Ziegler. McDaniels was in the second year of the six-year contract he inked with the Raiders. His time in Las Vegas ends after a 9-16 record in 25 games.
Enter Pierce, who played in the NFL from 2001 to 2009. His first four years came with Washington, where he only started 25 games. It was Antonio Pierce’s five-year stint with the New York Giants afterward that was much more famous. His tenure in the Big Apple included his only Pro Bowl selection in 2006, captaining the 2007 team that toppled the undefeated Patriots for a Super Bowl, and accompanying Plaxico Burress when he shot himself in the leg.
Where the Las Vegas Raiders Stand as Antonio Pierce Takes Over
Pierce takes over a Las Vegas Raiders team that is 3-5 and third in the AFC West. The offense ranks 30th in points per game, while the defense is 22nd in that same statistic. Las Vegas’ offense has been the most disappointing aspect of the 2023 team, particularly the (lack of) involvement of stars Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs.
Everyone will wake up on Wednesday with a fresh start in a season that can still involve a playoff run. Fittingly, Antonio Pierce’s first crack at a head-coaching win will come against the New York Giants this Sunday. They’re also struggling at 2-6, so Week 9 presents a golden opportunity.
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