Raiders hire Antonio Pierce as new head coach

The Las Vegas Raiders have hired Antonio Pierce as their full-time head coach, the club announced Friday.

Pierce finished the 2023 regular season as the Raiders' interim sideline boss after replacing Josh McDaniels, who was fired in November. Pierce - a former linebackers coach - provided Las Vegas with a spark, as the team posted a 5-4 record under his watch. It finished the campaign 8-9, good for second in the AFC West.

Several Raiders players - including receiver Davante Adams, running back Josh Jacobs, and edge rusher Maxx Crosby - publicly supported removing Pierce's interim tag in 2024. Crosby reportedly would've explored a trade request if Las Vegas didn't make Pierce its full-time coach. He reacted to the news Friday on social media:

The Raiders' defense improved significantly with the 45-year-old at the helm, ranking second in EPA/play allowed since Week 9. Improving the offense will be a challenge for the coaching staff after the club ranked 23rd in total points in 2023.

The quarterback position is one of the franchise's biggest questions. Despite signing Jimmy Garoppolo to a three-year, $72.75-million deal during the 2023 offseason, the Raiders finished the regular season with fourth-round rookie Aidan O'Connell as QB1. Las Vegas is expected to pursue a new starting quarterback in the upcoming offseason.

Las Vegas is also looking for a new offensive coordinator and general manager. Bo Hardegree was the team's interim OC in the season's final stretch after replacing Mick Lombardi, who was dismissed alongside McDaniels. Interim general manager Champ Kelly - promoted to replace Dave Ziegler - met with Raiders brass on Friday, according to CBS Sports' Josina Anderson.

The Raiders have the 13th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.