To put it lightly, it’s been a challenging season for the Las Vegas Raiders.
They’ll wrap their season up against the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Then it’s onto a decision-filled offseason.
The most immediate order of business will be deciding who will be the head coach going forward.
There’s been rumors about owner Mark Davis trying to lure Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh to Vegas – as well as former Raiders coach Jon Gruden, who Davis thinks extremely high of.
Star wide receiver Davante Adams made it clear that he and the team have other hopes in mind … They want Davis to shed the interim tag from Antonio Pierce and make him the permanent head coach.
The 45-year-old former Giants linebacker assumed the role of interim head coach after the dismissal of Josh McDaniels and has done a very respectable job guiding the team to a 4-4 record.
Adams, who had been rumored as a potential trade candidate earlier in the season, showered Pierce with praise for his impact on the team’s culture.
“It’s obviously who I wanted, and that’s my vote, and that’s basically how the whole locker room feels and with good reason. He’s come in and done a great job. He’s continued to win us over,” Adams said.
“Having AP here will be good for this organization. He kind of embodies what it means to be a Raider – that mentality, that swag, and all the things he endorses are the things that I believe in.”
“It’s easy for a guy like me, especially having dealt with him a little bit this year now and gotten to know him and see his evolution in front of the team … Definitely rooting for him.”
#Raiders WR Davante Adams on interim HC Antonio Pierce:
"It's who I wanted, and he's my vote, and that's basically how the whole locker room feels. … He embodies what it means to be a Raider. … I'm rooting for him."
Message sent to Mark Davis…pic.twitter.com/KKa18FnrB3
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 3, 2024
Adams’ comments signal a significant shift in tone, especially considering earlier trade rumors involving the star wide receiver.
The Raiders decision to name a permanent head coach now lies in the hands of Davis, who reportedly had some regret over not hiring interim coach Rich Bisaccia back in 2021.
Bisaccia was just as popular with the players on that team as Pierce seems to be with this one … That regret that Davis allegedly feels might work in Pierce’s favor.
WINNING THE ROOM: The locker room clearly wants Antonio Pierce. There's no doubt about that.
It's a decision that has similarities to one Mark Davis had to make just years ago. Regardless of what comes of the position, the players have done all they can to make their case to the… pic.twitter.com/sMCE20Lq4L
— Logan Reever (@loganreever) January 4, 2024
Pierce, a nine-season NFL veteran and Super Bowl XLII champion with the Giants, addressed his candidacy, stating: “My resume is on the grass. 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. He sees a building that loves coming to work and loves being here.”
"Antonio has captured the hearts and minds of the players … and that's half the battle."
Howie Long on if Antonio Pierce should be the @Raiders permanent HC 🔊@heykayadams pic.twitter.com/NTvJftjw9O
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) January 4, 2024
There’s a chance Davis moves on from Pierce if it means bringing in a proven, established big-time head coach. (We all know how Davis loves sexy splashes.)
There’s also a chance that the Raiders trade Adams this offseason, potentially to the Jets where he would once again reunite with his old buddy Aaron Rodgers.
What do you think Davis and the Raiders should do?
Do you think Pierce has done enough to prove that he can be a top-level head coach in the league?
As far as Adams, should Vegas keep him and build around him? … Or should they look to trade him off for assets to help their rebuild???