Black Monday has arrived, signaling the official conclusion of the NFL regular season. For over half of the league, it marks the onset of the offseason, ushering in the coaching carousel. Five struggling teams are currently engaged in the delicate task of finding their new head coach.
The Panthers, Chargers, Falcons, and Commanders are actively seeking an upgrade from their previous situations. Meanwhile, a unique circumstance surrounds the fifth team, the Raiders, which technically has a coaching vacancy.
The Raiders likely did not anticipate finding themselves in this position when they dismissed Josh McDaniels after a lackluster 3-5 start to the season. However, they may have stumbled upon an unexpected frontrunner in interim coach Antonio Pierce. Now, the pivotal decision looms — did Pierce perform well enough to forego this year’s pool of coaching talent?
Pierce’s case for securing the Raiders’ full-time head coaching position is compelling. Under his guidance in the nine games following McDaniels’ departure, the team achieved a 5-4 record. It’s not merely the improved on-field performance that has garnered attention; it’s also the palpable shift in the team’s dynamics under Pierce’s command.
The Raiders, under Pierce, rediscovered their swagger. Even with Aidan O’Connell at quarterback, the defense emerged as one of the league’s elite units, ranking second in expected points added per play (-0.141) during Pierce’s tenure, in stark contrast to their 26th position (0.038) in the eight weeks under McDaniels. Notable victories over the Dolphins and a Christmas upset against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs underscored their resurgence. Additionally, a high-profile win against the Chargers, which contributed to Brandon Staley’s departure, showcased the team’s newfound prowess on national television.
The transformation under Antonio Pierce extends beyond statistical improvement; it encompasses a cultural shift within the team. The successful reclamation of former Patriots cornerback Jack Jones exemplifies the buy-in at various levels, translating into on-field success. This poses a dilemma for the Raiders in deciding whether to promote Pierce. While there is an established connection and tangible success, it’s not sufficient reason to overlook potential opportunities elsewhere.
Alongside Pierce, the Raiders have a pool of quality candidates to consider. Options such as Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, and Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson present themselves as viable alternatives. The Raiders are poised to explore these options while carefully narrowing down their choices in the coming weeks. The potential risk of Pierce’s success being non-replicable underscores the necessity of adhering to the traditional path, ensuring interviews with highly sought-after candidates.
For a team with a recent history of limited success, the Raiders find themselves in a favorable position. The interim coach has proven himself as a legitimate candidate for the full-time role, offering a foundation that appears more promising than when McDaniels departed. With a resilient defense, an improving offensive line, and key pieces in place, the Raiders are on an upward trajectory. The looming question of identifying their quarterback of the future adds to the intrigue of their future prospects.
The Raiders’ current situation, coupled with Pierce’s realistic chance at the head coaching position, is a testament to the collective efforts of the interim coach and the team. Qualifications are evident; now, the waiting game ensues, shaping up as one of the most captivating head-coaching vacancies in the league.
