The Las Vegas Raiders shocked the NFL world on Christmas Day as they upset Patrick Mahomes and the defending Super Bowl champion Kanas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.
All things considered, interim head coach Antonio Pierce is doing an outstanding job and clearly the entire team has bought into his style and leadership.
Is Pierce making a strong case to stay on as the permanent head coach in Vegas??
“I’m going to keep saying it: As long as it looks right, sounds right and smells right, I’m fine with it. Win, lose or draw,” Pierce said.
“I’m going to be me, and [the players] are going to be them. And when this bad boy’s over with, hopefully it all works out and we’re together for more years to come.”
Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce celebrating in the locker room in Kansas City after an emotional win! #raiders #nfl pic.twitter.com/IyupfBqVvb
— Darrell Craig Harris-SI Raiders Today (@GlobalPhotopro) December 27, 2023
Pierce, who assumed the interim role after the Halloween night dismissals of coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler, emphasized the importance of demonstrating improvement and growth to Raiders owner Mark Davis.
“Hopefully [Mark Davis] sees improvement and growth within our team. He sees the style and play that he wants from the Raiders. He sees a fan base that’s behind us,” Pierce stated. “And at the end of the day, we got to win. And right now, my record, our record, is 4-3.”
One of the best teammates in the world… now showing he’s one of the best leaders of men. Do the right thing Mark Davis. @AntonioPierce should be the @Raiders next head coach!!
Keep going Tat! pic.twitter.com/k7YjdH11wy
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) December 25, 2023
“My résumé’s on the grass, which, I can put up a fancy presentation, I’ve seen that before,” Pierce said. “I can put up stats. I can put up my résumé. But the best thing that happened for me was the opportunity. And like I said, maybe last week, the worst day I was going to be as a head coach was my first day.”
“I really take pride in growing each and every day to get better. No different than when I was a player – get better, and by the end you look at it, whatever your career was and whatever my coaching career is, that you sit there and say, ‘Look, this is what he was.'”
Pierce was a great linebacker during his playing career. He was an invaluable piece on the New York Giants Super Bowl XLII championship team.
Now, he’s impressing the league on the sideline with his impressive growth and development as a coach. Most importantly, he has virtually every member of the organization believing in him.
Antonio Pierce should be the permanent Head Coach for the #Raiders. No doubt it my mind, he has earned it. @NFLonFOX
— Michael Strahan (@michaelstrahan) December 25, 2023
Pierce acknowledged the significance of the Christmas Day win against the Chiefs, stating: “So, we’re what, 2-1 in the division, beating [the Chiefs] at home. How many times did it happen in the last 25 years at the Raiders? Does anybody know? I don’t know the exact number … Less than a handful, right?”
CBS Sports lead analyst Tony Romo made his thoughts clear during the Christmas Day broadcast.
“I think he should be the head coach next year. I think he’s an outstanding coach. He was a great football player. He knows the game at a very high level. He communicates, and he creates a culture … You’re seeing that pay dividends right now,” Romo said.
"I think he should be the head coach next year." – Tony Romo on Antonio Pierce pic.twitter.com/FDnxRmvCoT
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 25, 2023
As the Raiders close out the season with games against the Colts and the Broncos, Pierce remains focused on the task at hand. While he acknowledges the statistical odds for a playoff berth are challenging, he remains hopeful for the future.
Has Pierce done enough to prove that he’s the right man for the job???
It will be a very interesting decision for Davis and the Raiders to make … Several reports indicate that he still has his eye on bringing back former coach Jon Gruden.
BREAKING: #Raiders owner Mark Davis
would “LOVE TO” bring back Jon Gruden as the team's head coach, via SI.“If Jon were willing to drop his lawsuit, they (sources) believe the #NFL would give a passive nod to go back and re-hire him.” pic.twitter.com/oRn41TjWin
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) November 30, 2023
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Former #Raiders HC Jon Gruden could be a “ candidate to watch” to potentially return as the team’s head coach, @VinnyBonsignore recently suggested.
“Gruden’s inclusion [as a candidate] is curious at first glance given how his last Raiders tenure ended. But… pic.twitter.com/058NPO84M8
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) December 14, 2023
What are your thoughts on the job Pierce is doing in Vegas?
Who would be the better head coach choice for the Raiders – Pierce or Gruden???