“I Was Born a Raider”: Antonio Pierce Walks the Talk as Raiders’ Interim Head Coach After Josh McDaniels’ Exit

A dream come true moment for the new coach! Late on October 31, the Las Vegas Raiders made a bold decision regarding their coaching staff. They fired the head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager David Ziegler. This newly opened position came as an opportunity for an early promotion for another of the side, making them feel grateful.

The Raiders currently stand in third place in the AFC West division and hold a record of 3-5 this season so far. After losing two back-to-back matchups, the Raiders decided to move forward with Antonio Pierce, among many choices, as the interim coach. Accepting the position, Pierce recently expressed his happiness about joining the team in a new role.

Antonio Pierce is feeling ‘fortunate’ taking on the new position

The Raiders owner Mark Davis, following the NFL trade deadline on October 31, showed the door to ex-head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager David Ziegler. He elevated the linebacker coach Antonio Pierce as the interim head coach, and assistant GM Champ Kelly to acting general manager. Expressing his happiness, Pierce in his recent introductory press conference expressed, “I’ve been fortunate.”

He recalled his coaching at Long Beach High School, his time as a head coach with the New York Giants in 2017, and with college for four years. The new interim coach also added, “The matter of fact is I grew up in Compton California I was born a Raider, I was born with the Raiders…..when the opportunity came to work with Josh and Pat Graham and Dave I jumped on it so that’s what set me up for this…I was born this way.”

The 45-year-old Pierce will coach the Raiders in their last nine games this season, and owner Davis said that he will be conducting a thorough search of the Raiders’ coach after the season. But how did this decision to fire McDaniels evolve in the mind of owner Mark Davis?

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Antonio Pierce is the new choice of the Raiders owner!

The signs of trouble for ex-coach Josh McDaniels began in Week 5 when the Raiders won over the New England Patriots 21-17. Despite winning the game, what drew attention was that the owner, Mark Davis, appeared angry. This anger followed in the next matchups when McDaniels made a wrong decision to start Brian Hoyer instead of rookie Aidan O’Connell against the Chicago Bears when the QB Jimmy Garoppolo was out with a back injury.

This led to the team’s loss at Soldier Field, as Hoyer had two interceptions and was then removed from the game during a 30-12 loss. Later, Davis upgraded the position of Antonio Pierce, saying, “After talking to him I felt he was right guy at the right time. Someone who can lead, create and have the respect of the team.”

The Raiders will be having their next game against the New York Giants this Sunday. Now, only the matchup will tell whether the choice of Pierce turns out to be fruitful for the team or not.

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