Antonio Pierce's future as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders appears to be hanging by a thread, as a new report suggests his job is in serious jeopardy. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Saturday that the sense around the league is that Pierce's tenure remains uncertain.
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The Raiders' disappointing 3-12 record heading into Week 17 has only fueled speculation that Pierce, who took over as head coach following a 5-4 interim stint in 2023, may not be back for 2025.
Pelissero notes that Raiders owner Mark Davis has sought feedback from several NFL sources, including minority owner Tom Brady, as he weighs his decision. The Raiders are in desperate need of stability after a tumultuous period, and with an offseason that will focus on finding a franchise quarterback, a coaching change could be in the cards.
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay Kickoff with @MikeGarafolo and @TomPelissero: #Patriots still view Jerod Mayo as their leader; #Giants have two key (and separate) decisions to make; Future of #Raiders coach Antonio Pierce is in doubt. pic.twitter.com/ZmTwXVzmCs
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 28, 2024
Pierce has failed to capitalize on the momentum from his brief stint as interim head coach, and the team's struggles this season have many questioning whether he is the right leader for the long-term vision of the franchise.
The Raiders' offseason priorities are clear — securing a top-tier quarterback is crucial unless the team is genuinely convinced by Aidan O'Connell's development. However, they may also regret rushing into the Pierce hire last year without giving him enough time to truly build a competitive team.
Adding further intrigue to the situation is Brady's connection to former Patriots teammate Mike Vrabel, who is expected to be one of the top coaching candidates in this cycle. If Davis decides to part ways with Pierce, Vrabel could be a name to watch as the Raiders look for a new leader to guide them through a critical rebuild.
