When Antonio Pierce was named interim head coach, the next task was to get the Las Vegas Raiders squad to buy into his message. So, how has he managed to get the team to believe in what he’s preaching week in and week out?
The Silver and Black have improved since Pierce took over, although the possibility of reaching the playoffs is a challenging mountain to climb. Nonetheless, outside of the postseason, the Super Bowl champion revealed how he’s getting through to the team.
Antonio Pierce believes the Las Vegas Raiders are buying into his message…
Pierce likely knows that these games as interim head coach are his audition to convince Raiders owner Mark Davis to give him the job permanently. Apart from the performance on the field, one way to do so is to have the players on his side.
The 45-year-old Jay Tust of KTVB discusses building a culture in Las Vegas despite uncertainty over keeping the job. Pierce notes that he wants his players to understand that they’re representing their name and logo when taking the field for the Silver and Black.
“I don’t think it matters if you’re interim or not,” Pierce recently said. “It’s just coaching, period. You want to bring your team together and play with that passion, that effort, and that pride. I told him you represent a couple of things: the last name on the back of that jersey, and obviously the shield and the brand of the Raiders.”
“I think our guys have really bought into that. It’s great to see. Obviously, [we] want to get some more wins on our belt, but more importantly, the purpose is there, and the effort is there.”
Will this team learn from the past or go for a big name?
Pierce has five games to impress Davis and the fanbase and show them he can build off the culture being implemented in the dressing room this season. All this might feel like Déjà vu after the Rich Bisaccia situation after he guided Las Vegas to the playoffs as the interim head coach.
Davis opted for a prominent name in Josh McDaniels; everyone knows how that has played out. Could the Raiders do the opposite this time, or is the lure of another big name too much to pass up again? Speculation about pursuing someone like Jim Harbaugh is out there.
It’s uncertain whether Pierce will lead the Silver and Black to the playoffs this season. However, a strong finish would enable him to demonstrate his ability and how much the team could improve under his leadership in an entire season.
*Top Photo: Sports Illustrated/Fan Nation
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