Antonio Pierce is the interim head coach, but things are unclear because the Raiders will probably select a general manager before a head coach. The future head coach might be chosen by the general manager, should they be hired.
The players for the Raiders have expressed their thoughts. Maxx Crosby, a defensive lineman, went to X shortly after it was reported on January 12 by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo that Pierce will be interviewing for the head coaching position of the Tennessee Titans.
This isn’t the first time that Crosby has endorsed Pierce and it’s clear who he thinks should be the Raiders’ head coach. Crosby is close with owner Mark Davis and he’s solidified himself as the team’s best player. His words should carry weight in the building but Davis has gone against the players’ wishes in the past.
It’s looking like Davis will hire a general manager and let them make the decision on Pierce.
Las Vegas Raiders Have yet to Request Interviews
The last time Mark Davis let a general manager make the Raiders’ head coaching hire was when Reggie McKenzie hired Dennis Allen. That didn’t work out well as Allen was fired after going 8-28 in less than three seasons.
Davis made the last three head coaching hires for the Raiders but none of them have worked out long-term. According to a January 11 X post from CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, the team has yet to make an interview request for a single head coaching candidate
As Jones points out, it’s notable that the Raiders don’t have any interviews lined up considering they were the first team to have an opening. Davis appears committed to hiring a general manager before hiring a head coach. Whether or not that’s a good thing for Antonio Pierce remains to be seen.
