Does Antonio Pierce have legitimate shot to become Raiders HC?

Don't rule out the possibility that Las Vegas will promote interim head coach Antonio Pierce if he helps the Raiders turn it around.

"I do believe Pierce has a shot at landing the full-time gig, depending on how the next two months go," wrote Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. "Maybe not a strong shot, but a shot nonetheless. We saw how the last interim coach, Rich Bisaccia, galvanized the Raiders on the way to the playoffs in 2021, and perhaps Pierce can have a similar effect."  

After Bisaccia led Las Vegas to the postseason in 2021, the Raiders didn't offer him the job and named Josh McDaniels HC instead. McDaniels — who was fired after Week 8 — posted a 9-16 record.
Perhaps Las Vegas won't repeat that mistake if the team makes an improbable postseason push under Pierce. 

In a 30-6 victory against the New York Giants in Week 9, the Raiders appeared to regain their mojo.

"The vibe, the energy, it's just electric right now," running back Josh Jacobs said following the victory, per Tashan Reed of The Athletic. "This is the most connected I feel like we've been as a unit."

Despite the good vibes, it's still unlikely Pierce will lead the Raiders (4-5) to the playoffs and become the team's next HC. The New York Times simulator notes they only have a three percent chance to make the postseason.

Also, Pierce — who starred at linebacker for the New York Giants and Washington Commanders from 2001-09 — has no head-coaching experience at the NFL level.

If the former Super Bowl champion doesn't land the job, expect the Raiders to target Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported owner Mark Davis attempted to hire him in 2015 and considered trying again in 2022.