The Las Vegas Raiders have fired head coach Antonio Pierce after one season, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo reported.
Raiders Fire Antonio Pierce
The #Raiders have fired coach Antonio Pierce following a trying season, despite a flurry at the end, per me, @TomPelissero and @MikeGarafolo.
One and done for Pierce, and Las Vegas is open once again. pic.twitter.com/DKt3AQKrmW
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2025
Pierce is out after his first full season as head coach. The Raiders officially confirmed the news in a statement.
“We appreciate Antonio’s leadership, first as an interim head coach and this past season as the head coach,” the team said. “Antonio grew up a Raiders fan and his Silver and Black roots run deep. We are grateful for his ability to reignite what it means to be a Raider throughout the entire organization. We wish nothing but the best for Antonio and his family in the future.”
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Raiders are keeping general manager Tom Telesco.
After serving as the linebackers coach for the 2022 season, the Raiders named Pierce the interim head coach in October 2023 after the firing of head coach Josh McDaniels.
At the time of McDaniels’ firing, the Raiders were 3-5. Pierce led the Raiders to a 5-4 record to close the season, capped off by a memorable Christmas Day win against the Chiefs. The Raiders promoted Pierce to head coach that offseason.
The Raiders went 4-13 in 2024, which included a 10-game losing streak. The Raiders went winless against AFC West opponents for the first time since 2006.
The tumultuous 2024 season included several changes on offense. Pierce fired offensive coordinator Luke Getsky and promoted Scott Turner as interim OC. Las Vegas traded star wide receiver Davante Adams before the deadline. However, the Raiders’ lack of consistency at the quarterback position between Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell, and Desmond Ridder led to their downfall.
Pierce’s tenure ends with a 9-17 record in one and a half seasons.
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) January 7, 2025
Tom Brady Will Help Find A New Coach
Raiders limited owner Tom Brady is expected to be part of a collaborative committee to interview head coaching candidates and support team owner Mark Davis, per league sources. pic.twitter.com/0xyl0kAYv3
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 7, 2025
The Raiders will form a collaborative committee to interview head coaching candidates and support owner Mark Davis during the process.
Per Adam Schefter, Raiders limited owner Tom Brady is expected to be on that committee.
This marks the third time in three seasons that the Raiders will begin the season with a new head coach.
