Mark Davis didn’t give a clear answer about the future of Raiders coach Antonio Pierce when asked by reporters at last week’s NFL owners meeting.
Davis said he didn’t want to talk about it, but mentioned that Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco would be evaluated separately. This didn’t sound promising for Pierce, especially with Telesco able to point to a draft that brought in a potential AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in Brock Bowers and two starting offensive linemen.
What this really means is unclear, but Pierce has to be feeling uncertain, especially with Las Vegas (2-12) on a 10-game losing streak after Monday night’s defeat to Atlanta.
The Raiders have a chance to break the streak on Sunday against struggling Jacksonville (3-11), with the Raiders as 1-point favorites at BetMGM Sportsbook.
There are reasons to think Pierce could return. This is his first full season as head coach—last year the Raiders were 5-4 after he took over as interim coach. He didn’t have a top quarterback, lost his star running back to free agency, and then saw injuries affect almost half of his defense, as well as his quarterbacks and running backs.
On top of that, there was the Davante Adams situation early in the season before he was traded to the New York Jets. His trade removed a major distraction, but it also left the Raiders without a likely future Hall of Fame receiver.
One of the most encouraging things for Pierce is that his players aren’t just going through the motions waiting for the season to end. They play as though they are still fighting for a playoff spot.
“It’s not really about them fighting for me,” Pierce said. “We’re fighting for one another. We understand where we’re at. We get what’s going on.”
What’s going on is a struggling Raiders team that needs more fixes than just at quarterback, though improving the position would be a good start.
How much of the team’s problems are Pierce’s responsibility is something Davis, possibly with advice from new minority owner Tom Brady, will need to figure out. Rumors about Mike Vrabel replacing Pierce as head coach have been circulating, partly because Vrabel and Brady were teammates in New England. However, Vrabel could be a candidate for several coaching positions.
Davis might decide to change coaches or give Pierce another season. The Raiders have had four head coaches since 2017.
“Me and Mark Davis talk often, and the conversations have been the same as they always are, very positive,” Pierce said on Tuesday.
When asked if he expects to be back next season, Pierce responded, “I’m under contract.”
