Las Vegas Raiders interim coach Antonio Pierce is actively presenting his case for the permanent position, particularly following the team’s impressive victories over the Chargers and the Chiefs. In a recent statement, Pierce expressed his commitment to authenticity and emphasized the importance of achieving the right atmosphere. Regardless of wins or losses, he aims to stay true to himself and hopes for a lasting connection with the players.
Pierce, who assumed the role after the Halloween dismissals of coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler, has revitalized the team’s performance. Despite a lackluster loss to the Vikings, Raiders owner Mark Davis expressed intrigue and was impressed with Pierce during the interview process, envisioning him as a leader rather than just a coach.
Players, including right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, have voiced their admiration for playing under Pierce and Champ Kelly, who replaced Ziegler. However, due to the updated Rooney Rule, Davis must consider at least two external minority candidates before officially appointing Pierce, who is Black, as the permanent head coach.
Pierce highlighted his focus on continuous improvement and reflected on the opportunity presented to him. Defensively, the Raiders have shown significant progress under Pierce, reducing opponents’ average points per game and improving the turnover margin. The team now leads the NFL in scoring defense, with a notable decrease in opponents’ Total QBR since Pierce’s interim appointment.
As the Raiders face the final stretch of the season with games against the Colts and the Broncos, Pierce remains optimistic about their playoff chances. The recent victory over the Chiefs on Christmas Day further adds to his case for the full-time coaching position, showcasing the team’s success in the division and against formidable opponents. Pierce is confident that his defensive approach aligns with the “Raiders way” and believes Davis will recognize the value he brings to the team.
