Looking at social media, the dominant discussion among Las Vegas Raiders fans right now revolves around Antonio Pierce and his long-term future. Interestingly enough, the besieged head coach points to his contract for proof of job security.
It’s amazing how quickly things went south for Pierce and the Raiders. It was around this time last year that the Silver and Black rallied behind the former linebacker’s coach following the dismissal of Josh McDaniels. In turn, the Raiders’ draft position actually dropped as the team improved—which is interesting in hindsight. By dropping in the draft order, the organization missed out on potentially selecting a franchise quarterback. In particular, there was Jayden Daniels, who was linked to Pierce.
Nevertheless, the team drafted Brock Bowers and went into the season with a quarterback duet of Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell. Fast forward to just a few days before Christmas, and Pierce might be starting at the unemployment line. Well, at least according to Raider Nation, that is.
This is what happens when you let the players convince you to hire the interim.
Antonio Pierce has been an abject disaster.
— Tyler Ziskin (@BigZSaysThings) December 17, 2024
As far as Pierce goes, he was quite direct when asked about his future prospects by the media this week.
“I’m under contract.”
Ironically, in Raiders history, contracts don’t hold much weight. Since the late 1980s, the Raiders have let go multiple coaches before their contracts even came to an end. In other words, it’s easy to see why Pierce’s comments don’t necessarily reassure his supporters and apologists. Instead, they suggest the opposite. Owner Mark Davis himself could’ve thrown more support in Pierce’s direction when he, too, spoke to the media recently. Instead, Davis clarified that he and general manager Tom Telesco will undergo evaluations following the season.
For the time being, though, Antonio Pierce is being a professional. He has a game coming up against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and if you ask him, he’s trying to win.
Who’s ready for the Travis Hunter Bowl this Sunday?
*Top Photo: Las Vegas Sun
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