The Las Vegas Raiders have been on the search for a head coach during their offseason, which has opened up several options. Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has been rumored to be a person of interest, as well as former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. The team finished the second half of the 2023 season with interim head coach Antonio Pierce, who quickly became a fan favorite in Las Vegas, and fans were calling for the organization to bring him back next season. Now, the Raiders have officially signed a new head coach, and Las Vegas fans could not be happier.
Raiders are working to finalize a deal to hire Antonio Pierce as their head coach, per sources.
Raiders made Pierce their interim HC on Halloween night and now are closing in on making it a full-time job. Players who campaigned for Pierce soon are expected to be happy. pic.twitter.com/OAJTur9ZJ0
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2024
Las Vegas Raiders Fans React
Las Vegas has decided to keep Pierce as the team’s permanent head coach, still making Harbaugh and Belichick options for other teams. Raiders fans were ecstatic about the signing, saying that the team made the correct choice in bringing back Pierce since he seems to be a favorite amongst the players in the locker room. Here are some reactions to the big news:
Raiders hired Antonio Pierce to be their Head Coach! pic.twitter.com/BDVej6kyS5
— Raiders Report Mitchell Renz (@MitchellRenz365) January 19, 2024
RAAAAAAAAAIDERRRRSSS!!!!
Not deserved, EARNED. 💯🏴☠️🤝🏻 Welcome, coach! @AntonioPierce #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/1Oi7RF3Aws— Austin (@Austinrnww) January 19, 2024
The people’s choice is now the @Raiders choice.
Well deserved, Antonio Pierce. pic.twitter.com/H57R126Qa1
— Raiders Beat (@RaidersBeat) January 19, 2024
When you hear the Antonio Pierce news. pic.twitter.com/ftj7wGXIMr
— Raider Posts (@RaiderPosts) January 19, 2024
Star Players Likely Staying With The Raiders
This move was the right move by the organization, as the Raiders would have likely lost some key players if the team decided to take another route. Star pass rusher Maxx Crosby made headlines this week for saying that he will play wherever Pierce goes, putting pressure on owner Mark Davis to get a deal done. Crosby has been the team’s best defender, and now Las Vegas will not have to worry about him causing any turmoil in the locker room.
Star wide receiver Davante Adams also heavily advocated for the Raiders to bring Pierce back, and was bug on him immediately after the firing of former head coach Josh McDaniels. There have been several rumors that have speculated Adams would try to seek a trade to either the Green Bay Packers or the New York Jets if the team did not hire Pierce back. Now, those rumors should start to be put to rest, so there will likely not be an Aaron Rodgers– Davante Adams reunion.
Big Names Still Remain On The Open Market
Las Vegas looks like they are motivated and ready to go for the 2024 season now that the head coach drama has been addressed. Harbaugh and Belichick remain on the open market, so teams like the Los Angeles Chargers and the Atlanta Falcons are now the heavy favorites to land these big names. Do you think the Raiders made the right decision to bring Pierce back, or should they have gone for a bigger name to fill the position?
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