Antonio Pierce hired as Raiders coach: What’s next, NFL buzz
HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders have removed the interim tag from Antonio Pierce’s title and made him the organization’s full-time coach.
Pierce, 45, was promoted from linebackers coach in the wake of the Halloween night firing of Josh McDaniels. He reinvigorated a then-dour Raiders locker room with post-victory cigar celebrations, and his embracing of the team’s culture garnered support from players and alumni alike. Las Vegas went 5-4 to end the season.
His players-first mentality comes from playing linebacker in the NFL for nine seasons with Washington (2001-2004) and the New York Giants (2005-2009), earning Pro Bowl honors in 2006. He was also a key member of the Giants team that beat the then-undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.
