Antonio Pierce has reportedly secured the services of a new offensive coordinator, as per ESPN sources. The Las Vegas Raiders are anticipated to bring on board former Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury to assume the role of their new offensive coordinator.
The Raiders considered several notable candidates for the position. According to NFL Media, the team conducted multiple interviews with current UCLA head coach Chip Kelly but ultimately opted for Kingsbury.
The 44-year-old engaged in discussions with various teams regarding offensive coordinator positions, including the Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Following his termination by the Arizona Cardinals in January of the previous year, Kingsbury worked as an offensive analyst for USC in the recent season.
During his four-year tenure with the Cardinals, he accumulated a record of 28-37-1, securing a playoff berth in 2021 with an 11-6 performance. After a modest 5-10-1 start in his inaugural NFL season, Kingsbury progressively improved the team’s performance over the subsequent two years.
However, the 2022 season marked a downturn for Kingsbury, with the Arizona Cardinals finishing in last place in the NFC West with a 4-13 record. Previously, Kingsbury served as the head coach at Texas Tech and as the offensive coordinator at Texas A&M during the year Johnny Manziel clinched the Heisman Trophy.
Following the mid-season dismissal of Josh McDaniels, Antonio Pierce took charge and promptly revitalized the Raiders’ defense.
Between Weeks 9 and 18, the Raiders boasted the league’s top-ranked defense, allowing an average of only 16 points per game. Meanwhile, on the offensive front, Vegas concluded the season with the sixth-lowest yardage per game (289.5) and ranked 10th lowest in points per game (19.5).
The Raiders face several uncertainties in the upcoming offseason, including the determination of the starting quarterback and the potential re-signing of Josh Jacobs. Nevertheless, the team is reportedly set with Kliff Kingsbury as their new offensive leader.
