The Las Vegas Raiders fired Head Coach Antonio Pierce according to ESPN Insider Adam Schefter. Pierce led the Raiders to a 4-13 regular season record after being given the full-time job following a 5-4 record as the interim coach in 2023. Pierce finished his Raiders tenure with a 9-17 record.
Pierce’s job was seemingly safe as he addressed the media yesterday and said he hadn’t been “told anything different” regarding his return as the team’s head coach. Las Vegas will be looking for its fifth head coach since 2020 as it has been a rough stretch for the franchise. Who will the Las Vegas Raiders hire to be their next head coach?
Las Vegas Raiders Season Summary
The Raiders endured a 10-game losing streak during Antonio Pierce’s only season as full-time head coach. It was also the first time they went winless against AFC West opponents since 2006.
Several players continued to voice support for Pierce after the season, and he admitted he… https://t.co/F8CEgG8hub
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 7, 2025
Pierce’s first full year at the helm was a bumpy ride. The franchise endured a 10-game losing streak. Las Vegas also went winless in the AFC West for the first time since 2006. The head coach was not set up for success this season having to juggle one of the worst quarterback situations in the league. Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell, and Desmond Ridder all started at quarterback for Las Vegas during the regular season. None of these quarterbacks fared well under center for the team.
Pierce also had interpersonal issues with a star player during the year. He and Wide Receiver Davante Adams reportedly had a falling out which led to the star wide receiver requesting a trade. Adams was ultimately traded to the New York Jets.
Final Thoughts
With the Las Vegas Raiders reportedly retaining General Manager Tom Telesco, he will head up the coaching search. Las Vegas has some marquee pieces that would attract prospective coaches in Tight End Brock Bowers and Defensive End Maxx Crosby.
Another selling point for an incoming head coach is the No. 6 pick in April’s NFL Draft. That pick is expected to be a quarterback as that is a gaping hole on the team’s roster. Possible head coaching candidates are Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson, Former Tennessee Titans Head Coach Mike Vrabel, and Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores. Las Vegas must find the right head coach as the revolving door at the position has impacted the team’s on-field performance.
