The Las Vegas Raiders are enduring a nightmare 2024 season, standing at 2-11 heading into Week 15 and vying for the unenviable title of the NFL’s worst team this year.
Compounding the team’s struggles is the loss of quarterback Gardner Minshew for the season and the uncertain status of Aidan O’Connell, who may also miss the Week 15 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
With the season unraveling, many are speculating that sweeping changes could be on the horizon for the franchise during the offseason – including at the top with head coach Antonio Pierce.
NFL insider Dianna Russini addressed the potential for a coaching change on the Scoop City podcast, hinting at the role of minority owner Tom Brady in shaping the Raiders’ future.
Pierce, who took over as head coach after Josh McDaniels was fired midseason last year, may not be retained.
“I believe the Raiders are going to allow Antonio Pierce here to finish out the year and then they are going to make a call on this,” Russini said.
“Look Mark Davis really likes Antonio Pierce he always has, but I could tell you he does not like losing, not like this. I’m curious to see what direction they’re going to go. Tom Brady is involved in this stuff now and I think that’s a factor we have to keep remembering when talking Raiders.
“As weird as it is, he’s going to have an influence and this type of losing is not going to cut it if Tom Brady wants to be part of an organization.”
Russini went on to suggest that Pierce’s tenure could be short-lived, saying, “This certainly is not what they envisioned when they decided to fire Josh McDaniel and go with Antonio Pierce here as the full time head coach. I would say bad bet here.”
One intriguing name linked to the Raiders’ potential coaching search is Mike Vrabel.
With Bill Belichick officially off to the college football world, Vrabel is the best available coach on the market.
His ties to Brady from their time together in New England make him a logical candidate for a franchise seeking stability and alignment with Brady’s vision.
Despite the bleak season, the Raiders have to be feeling awfully good about rookie tight end Brock Bowers and the ultra-bright future he has.
During Week 14, Bowers set an NFL record for most receptions by a rookie tight end, hauling in his 87th catch of the season to surpass Sam LaPorta’s 2023 record of 86.
Bowers has been a revelation for the struggling team, tallying 87 receptions for 933 yards and four touchdowns with four games still to play.
In many ways, he’s looking like he will go down as the best overall player from the 2024 draft.
As for Pierce, he’s clearly been a little over his head this season. Having said that, he’s very well respected by players, fans, and the entire Raiders organization.
Many people feel he doesn’t deserve to be fired. But if the reports are true, Davis – with the nudging of Brady – will be looking to replace him in a few weeks.
What are your thoughts on Brady reportedly having a major voice in decision-making with the Raiders? … Is that a good or bad thing? … Is that a conflict of interest with his FOX broadcasting career?
In the big picture, do you think Pierce deserves to be fired???
