Las Vegas Raiders fire head coach Antonio Pierce

Las Vegas Raiders fire head coach Antonio Pierce

After just one season as the main coach Antonio Pierce on Tuesday from the Las Vegas Raiders dismissed. After a disappointing record of 4 wins and 13 defeats this season, this decision was inevitable.

Performance as interim coach

The 46-year-old Pierce had a record of 5-4 during the 2023 season as interim coach after Josh McDaniels was relieved of his duties. In an official statement, the Raiders acknowledged Pierce's leadership: "We appreciate Antonio's commitment, initially as interim coach and this season as head coach. Antonio grew up with the Raiders spirit, and his connection to the Silver and Black runs deep. We are grateful for his ability to rekindle the Raider spirit throughout the organization. We wish Antonio and his family nothing but the best for the future."

Pierce comments on the firing

A press conference was held on Monday in which Pierce indicated that he had not discussed his status with the franchise with team owner Mark Davis. When asked if he wanted clarity about next season, Pierce replied that the uncertainties surrounding his future were "only coming from the outside." He emphasized: "This is not coming from inside the building. For me there is nothing to clarify until I hear from inside."

The reality in professional sports

Pierce explained that he knows the realities of the NFL business: "Win and people love you - lose and it's time to move on." He added: "When you take this job and stand in front of this room, in front of the building, in front of the organization, you take the good with the bad, right? When we win, everyone shouts, 'AP! AP! AP!'. When we lose, it's - get out!"

Antonio Pierce, a former NFL player with nine years of experience, won Super Bowl XLII with the New York Giants in 2008. The Raiders have only appeared in two playoff games in the last 22 seasons.