While the Raiders have expressed interest in Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, they have yet to conduct interviews with any candidates.
The team may need to expedite the hiring process if Pierce is indeed their preferred choice. Notably, ESPN disclosed that Pierce was scheduled to interview with the Tennessee Titans for their coaching vacancy on Saturday.
Antonio Pierce took charge as interim head coach when the Raiders were 3-5, guiding them to a 5-4 record under his leadership. The team closed out the season with three wins in their final four games, securing an 8-9 finish and claiming second place in the AFC West.
One of the influential voices supporting Pierce is edge rusher Maxx Crosby, who emphasized the positive impact of Pierce’s leadership on the team’s culture. Crosby expressed admiration for Pierce’s embrace of the Raiders’ history and the respect he commands from players.
“When you have the right culture, a guy like A.P. that embraces the history of the Raiders, it’s special,” said Crosby. “A ton of legends consistently (show support) because of the amount of respect they have for him. So it makes you, as a player, want to go out there and show who you are. You want to be at that level one day.”
Antonio Pierce, aged 45, brings a wealth of experience to the coaching role. Having played nine seasons in the NFL with Washington and the New York Giants, winning a Super Bowl with the Giants in 2007, Pierce transitioned to coaching. His coaching journey included stints at Long Beach Poly High School and under Herm Edwards at Arizona State before joining the Raiders in 2022.
(Inputs from Reuters)