The Raiders fired coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler Wednesday, effectively putting their season in a complete tailspin. Instead of discombobulation, however, the team has galvanized around linebackers coach Antonio Pierce when he was named interim coach. The former linebacker was the man of the hour Sunday when he led the team to a victory in his first game manning the sidelines.
Following the win over the Giants, the team he won a Super Bowl with during his playing days, Pierce was asked how this victory compared to all of the wins in his career. He didn’t even hesitate.
“Best one. RAIDERS!” Pierce said after his team’s 30–6 win.
This is what a #Raiders head coach is supposed to sound like… pic.twitter.com/cCh6iduj2I
— Raiders Beat (@RaidersBeat) November 6, 2023
Pierce, originally from California, grew up a Raiders fan and immediately won over the fanbase when he preached on his passion for the team in his introductory press conference. It became clear he was extremely popular in the locker room as well, when cameras saw players celebrating with cigars after his first win as a head coach.
