Las Vegas Raiders hire Antonio Pierce following the firing of Josh McDaniels
The Las Vegas Raiders hire Antonio Pierce as the new Raiders interim head coach, replacing Josh McDaniels in his recent firing along with general manager Dave Ziegler. The 45-year-old Pierce is a former linebackers coach for the Raiders for one and a half seasons, who played in the NFL, retired in 2010, and began his coaching career in 2014.
The Raiders hire Antonio Pierce after Raiders owner Mark Davis fired both McDaniels and Ziegler late in the night of October 31 at the NFL trade deadline. Some may say trick, some may say treat. McDaniels, a longtime New England Patriots offensive coordinator, went 9-16 during his time with the Raiders.
Pierce was hired by Arizona State as their linebackers coach, and shortly after was brought up to the NFL as part of the Raiders staff in 2022. During his time as a player in the NFL, Pierce played linebacker for the Washington Redskins in his rookie year after going undrafted in 2001 out of the University of Arizona.
In 2004, Pierce recorded 114 tackles, one sack, five passes defensed, and two picks. He then signed with the New York Giants in 2005 to start at middle linebacker and became captain of the defense. Across 13 games that season, Pierce recorded 100 tackles, 80 solo tackles, one forced fumble return touchdown, and two picks.
Pierce was also part of the Giants’ Super Bowl XLII winning team against the New England Patriots. Following his release in 2010, the future new Raiders interim head coach began his career, coaching at Long Beach Poly high school in 2014.
Now here we are with open arms, as Raiders hire Antonio Pierce, he now has a great opportunity to showcase his abilities. In a mere coincidence, his first matchup is against none other than his previous NFL team, the New York Giants this upcoming Sunday.