The Las Vegas Raiders have moved on from head coach Antonio Pierce after a disappointing 2024 NFL season. Pierce becomes the latest casualty in a long line of coaches to be shown the door by the franchise. Here, we’ll explore why the Raiders fired Pierce, what went wrong, and their 2025 NFL futures.
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Antonio Pierce Coaching Record & Farewell
Antonio Pierce went 5-4 as the Raiders’ interim head coach in 2023, playing .500 football against AFC West opponents. He was given the full-time job in the offseason, but the team didn’t improve in 2024. Las Vegas didn’t win a game against their AFC West division rivals, their first sweep since 2006.
Pierce finishes with a 9-17 record in 26 games. His 2024 team was a disappointment on both sides of the ball. They lacked depth on defense and couldn’t get enough production from their running game.
Rookie tight end Brock Bowers was a bright spot, setting NFL rookie records for receptions (100) and receiving yards (1,244). However, it wasn’t enough to mask the team’s overall ineptitude.
Las Vegas Raiders Coaching History
The Raiders have had five head coaches since 2012. That’s not including the interim tags that have been handed out multiple times. Here’s a quick rundown of the coaching carousel:
- 2022: Josh McDaniels (3-13)
- 2021: Interim coach Rich Bisaccia (10-7)
- 2020: Jon Gruden (8-9)
- 2018-2021: Jack Del Rio (12-20)
- 2015-2017: Josh McDaniels (8-24)
Las Vegas Raiders Coaching Carousel Explained
- Jack Del Rio (2015-2017): Offered some stability and led the Raiders to a 2016 playoff appearance.
- Jon Gruden (2018-2021): A big-name hire who was ousted in controversy.
- Rich Bisaccia (2021): Took over midseason and led the Raiders to a playoff appearance.
- Josh McDaniels (2022-2023): Fired midseason for the second time in three years.
- Antonio Pierce (2023-2024): Another interim coach who was given the job full-time.
The Raiders need stability, and that starts at the top. Until they hire a coach who is given time to build a culture, they’ll continue to flounder.
2025 NFL Odds: How Much Damage Can the Raiders Do?
The Raiders are one of seven teams looking for a head coach. They’ll have plenty of company during the 2025 NFL offseason. Here are some early candidates to keep an eye on:
- Ben Johnson: Detroit Lions offensive coordinator
- Aaron Glenn: Detroit Lions defensive coordinator
- Joe Brady: Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator
- Mike Vrabel: Former Tennessee Titans head coach
- Liam Coen: Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator
- Todd Monken: Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator
- Brian Flores: Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator
- Kliff Kingsbury: Washington Commanders offensive coordinator
The Raiders will likely be able to lure a big-name coach with plenty of salary cap space (second-most in the NFL) and a high draft pick (sixth overall). However, their coaching carousel and on-field product might not be as appealing to top candidates as it should be.
Raiders 2025 NFL Offseason
The Raiders have plenty on their plate this offseason, even before they hire a head coach. They have 20 players headed for free agency, including 15 on defense. Las Vegas should be active in free agency with their second-most salary cap space, but they’ll need to be smart after a poor 2024 season.
The NFL Draft is also important for the Raiders, who are picking sixth. They could look at quarterback or address other needs on defense.
Final Thoughts
Firing Antonio Pierce was the right move. The Raiders need drastic change and it starts at the top. They have the resources to attract talent, but it’s been long enough since their last championship. It’s time for the franchise to get its affairs in order and start building a sustainable winner.
Here’s hoping they hire the right coach to do it.
