Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Marcus Mosher

Raiders HC Antonio Pierce named ‘pleasant surprise’ during 2023 season

It wasn’t all that surprising that the Raiders fired Josh McDaniels midseason after his team felt lifeless after a Monday Night Football loss to the Lions. The Raiders were trending in the wrong direction as a franchisee and needed a change in scenery.

But what is surprising is who was promoted to interim head coach and the immediate success that came after. In a recent article by ESPN, they named Antonio Pierce as one of the most pleasant surprises of the 2023

Promoted from linebackers coach upon the Halloween night firing of Josh McDaniels, Pierce, who had never been a head coach above the high school level, immediately implemented a player-friendly culture.

The Raiders responded with consecutive victories over the Giants and Jets and celebrated with locker room cigar parties. The good vibes ebbed with losses to the Dolphins and Chiefs entering the bye, but Pierce has the attention of the 5-7 Raiders, who still hold out hope for a late-season run, thanks in part to Pierce’s effect.

The Raiders are 2-2 in their four games with Pierce as the interim head coach, but it will be fascinating to see how they finish out the year. If he can get the Raiders close to .500, it wouldn’t be a surprise for him to land the head coaching job this offseason.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.