The Las Vegas Raiders have hired Antonio Pierce as their head coach, removing the interim label.
Pierce took over the Raiders after Week 8 following the firing of head coach Josh McDaniels. The team went 5-4 under his leadership and outscored opponents 206-144. The Raiders' defense led the NFL in points per game allowed (15.8), recorded the most defensive touchdowns (4), and had the fewest penalties (31), while tying for third in sacks (30).
A number of key players, including Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby, came out in support of Pierce becoming the full-time head coach. Crosby even went as far as to say he'd request a trade if Pierce didn't get the job.
Pierce served as the team’s linebackers coach prior to being promoted to interim head coach. The nine-year NFL veteran, who won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants, spent five seasons at Arizona State before joining the Raiders’ staff.
Las Vegas has still not hired a general manager. Champ Kelly, who served as the interim, is believed to be the leader to get the job, though others are in the mix as well.
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