The Las Vegas Raiders took a gamble by promoting Antonio Pierce from interim to full-time head coach, but the move hasn’t yielded success. With a dismal 2-10 record, the Raiders are tied for the worst in the NFL, and Pierce’s future with the team appears bleak.
The franchise already dismissed Josh McDaniels as head coach last year, and letting go of a second coach in consecutive seasons would reflect poorly. However, owner Mark Davis may be reluctant to stick with Pierce, whose lack of experience has become a glaring issue. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio recently discussed Pierce’s struggles and hinted at a potential replacement.
“It feels like a foregone conclusion [that Pierce will be fired],” Florio said on the Rich Eisen Show. He criticized Pierce’s game management, pointing to a critical mistake in a recent game where Pierce failed to spike the ball on time, leading to confusion and wasted opportunities. “When an NFL head coach fails in critical game situations, it’s even more glaring,” Florio noted, adding that there is “plenty of chatter” linking Mike Vrabel to the Raiders.
Is Mike Vrabel the Solution?
Vrabel, the former Tennessee Titans head coach, has emerged as a strong candidate for the Raiders. His connection to Tom Brady, now a part-owner of the team, fuels speculation.
As Brady’s former teammate with the New England Patriots, Vrabel shares a close bond with the NFL legend, who could advocate for his hiring.
Though Vrabel was fired by the Titans, he boasts an impressive résumé, including being named NFL Coach of the Year in 2021 and holding a career record of 54-45. His proven success and leadership make him an attractive candidate, and the Raiders may view him as an upgrade over Pierce.
Can Pierce Turn Things Around?
With the Raiders out of playoff contention, there’s little left to salvage this season. However, Pierce might still be fighting to retain his job. Davis reportedly admired Pierce’s leadership during his interim stint, but persistent issues with game management this year have undermined confidence.
To have a shot at staying, Pierce must show significant improvement in game decisions and possibly secure three or four additional wins. Otherwise, the Raiders will likely move in a new direction, with Vrabel or another seasoned coach waiting in the wings.