Pierce Opens Up on Becoming Permanent Coach

The Las Vegas Raiders have their permanent head coach, Antonio Pierce.

The Raiders made it official on Jan. 19 that Pierce’s interim tag would be removed, and he would be the full-time head coach. Pierce took over midseason in 2023 and had a 5-4 record in the second half of the season.

Pierce’s coaching style inspired players and endeared fans. It seemed like a no-brainer for owner Mark Davis, and Davis made the call that so many in Raider Nation were hoping he would.

Pierce was thankful to become the head coach of the Raiders. He described when he found out he got the job on the latest episode of defensive end Maxx Crosby’s podcast, "The Rush with Maxx Crosby."

“I walked outside, looked up to the sky, and I was just thankful,” Pierce said. “I'm umbled, honored, I know I’ve said that before, but on some real s—. This is real, man.”

Pierce also reflected on where he came from and gave a nod to Crosby’s personality.

“A former player, inner-city dude from the bottom, get an opportunity to come to the organization as a linebacker coach," Pierce said. "One of the first guys to introduce himself to me when I walked in the building was Maxx. First f—ing day. Out the gate. I’m like: ‘This dude is different.’ I’ve been around some dudes now, but he’s different.”

Pierce credits Crosby’s character and leadership as reasons the culture became so strong.

“We’ve had countless hours and conversations about everything," Pierce said. "Life, football, on the field, off the field, family, personal, money, leadership, championships, and then that carried out through our whole team.”

Pierce revealed what he told Davis and joked about his preparedness.

“When that opportunity came, I was like, ‘What’s up? I’m ready,’" Pierce said. "What I told Mark was: ‘Are you ready?’ Because I don’t think he knew what he was about to get in. I was born ready. I came early; five days, to be exact.”

Crosby has always spoken highly of Pierce and appears excited that he will lead them in a permanent role. He praised the honesty and transparency of Pierce’s personality.

“I stood on the table for him; all the guys stood on the table for him because what you see is what you get,” Crosby said. “That’s ultimate respect.”

The entire podcast episode can be found here.

From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.

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