Pierce went just 4-13 in his first season with the Raiders
Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis (left) decided to fire Antonio Pierce after a losing season. (Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Antonio Pierce’s Promise Fades as Raiders Head Coach: Fired After Frustrating Season”
At the close of last season, Antonio Pierce had led the Las Vegas Raiders with a brief but promising run as interim coach, earning the chance to carry that momentum into a full-time role.
However, the new season proved to be a different story.
Starting off with a disappointing 2-12 record, it became apparent that Pierce wouldn’t survive the season. On Tuesday afternoon, the Raiders officially parted ways with him, marking the end of his tenure. Meanwhile, general manager Tom Telesco remains in his position.
“Pierce’s Unexpected Rise: From Interim Coach to Permanent Head Coach”
Antonio Pierce initially stepped in as an interim coach, tasked with guiding the Raiders through the tail end of a challenging 2023 season after Josh McDaniels was let go. With just under two full seasons of coaching experience as a linebackers coach, Pierce was relatively untested.
However, his leadership quickly struck a chord with the team. His energy, confidence, and fresh approach revitalized a struggling franchise. A standout victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day solidified his impact, ultimately convincing team owner Mark Davis to offer Pierce the role on a permanent basis.
“Pierce’s Momentum Fizzles as Raiders Face Persistent Struggles”
Unfortunately, the optimism from Pierce’s brief stint as interim coach didn’t last. The Raiders’ season was marred by quarterback struggles, compounded by the decision to trade away star receiver Davante Adams. While they managed to secure a 2-2 record, including an impressive win against the Baltimore Ravens, a brutal 10-game losing streak followed. A couple of late-season victories came too late to sway owner Mark Davis in his decision about the 2025 head coach.
The Raiders’ position remains a tough one to fill. With no clear solution at quarterback and numerous holes to address on the roster, the future doesn’t offer much immediate hope. Since 2002, the Raiders have made just two playoff appearances and have yet to secure a postseason victory.
Davis has yet to find the right head coach to steer the team in the right direction. In the past 15 years, the Raiders have cycled through nine head coaches, including interim appointments, and will be seeking their 10th in 2025. Attracting a top candidate won’t be easy, but after Pierce failed to replicate the brief success he showed in 2023, a change was inevitable.