Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current NFL CBS analyst, Tony Romo, is advocating for a specific choice when it comes to the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach for the 2024 season.
Romo, alongside partner Jim Nantz, was in the commentary booth for Monday’s Christmas game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs. During the game, the Raiders, under the interim leadership of Antonio Pierce and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, executed an almost flawless game plan, securing an impressive 20-14 victory over the defending champions at Arrowhead Stadium.
Following this pivotal win against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, Romo voiced his support for Antonio Pierce to continue as the Raiders’ head coach in 2024. He expressed his confidence in Pierce’s coaching abilities, highlighting his deep understanding of the game, effective communication, and his knack for building a winning culture within the team. Romo emphasized the tangible benefits of these qualities, which were evident in the Raiders’ recent success.
“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
Romo and Pierce share a history on the football field, having faced each other during their playing careers. Pierce, renowned for his role as a linebacker for the New York Giants from 2005 to 2009, notably played a pivotal role in the Giants’ victory over Romo’s Dallas Cowboys in the 2007 NFC Divisional Round, leading to the Giants’ surprising Super Bowl 42 triumph over the previously undefeated New England Patriots.
The Raiders made significant changes early in the season, parting ways with head coach Josh McDaniels and General Manager Dave Ziegler after a 3-5 start. Under Pierce’s interim leadership, the team has shown marked improvement, posting a 4-3 record. Notably, two of their losses were narrow one-score games against playoff contenders, the Miami Dolphins (20-13 in Week 11) and the Minnesota Vikings (3-0 in Week 14), underscoring the team’s progress under Pierce’s guidance.
For years, the Raiders have grappled with defensive challenges, but as they enter Week 17, they boast the eighth-best scoring defense in the league, allowing just 19.6 points per game. This statistic alone makes a strong case for Antonio Pierce to be seriously considered by team owner Mark Davis as the head coach for the 2024 season.
Davis previously made the decision to replace interim head coach Rich Bisaccia, who had led the Raiders to the playoffs in 2021, with Josh McDaniels. In hindsight, this move is being scrutinized, and it remains to be seen whether this decision will influence Davis’s choice regarding Pierce’s future with the team in the upcoming year.