If it was up to Las Vegas Raiders fans, interim coach Antonio Pierce would secure the position permanently after the job he’s done in relief of former coach Josh McDaniels, who was fired earlier this season.
After Las Vegas’s 27—14 win over the Denver Broncos in Week 18, the Allegiant Stadium faithful showered Pierce with an “AP” chant as he jogged off the field toward the locker room.
But what does Pierce think?
During his end-of-season press conference on Monday, the Raiders coach was asked if he feels he deserves the job. In a perfect response, Pierce said that he “would never use the word ‘deserve,’” per Levi Edwards on X, formerly Twitter.
Does Antonio Pierce believe he should be the #Raiders permanent guy?
“I would never use the word ‘deserve.’ Hopefully I earned it.” pic.twitter.com/CNykuVXB5B
— Levi Edwards (@theleviedwards) January 8, 2024
“Hopefully, I’ve earned it,” Pierce confidently said.
Judging by the way the Raiders finished the season—they won three of their last four games—Pierce has done just that.
Just two years ago, the Raiders were faced with this exact scenario after firing Jon Gruden midseason when interim coach Rich Bisaccia led the team to the playoffs. But Las Vegas chose the shiny toy in McDaniels despite an outpouring of support from the players in favor of Bisaccia.
Raiders stars Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby have made it clear how they feel about Pierce. But shiny toys, such as Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh, are also out there for the taking.
Pierce has earned the job. But will the Raiders see it that way?
