Las Vegas Raiders Hire Longtime NFL Frontman Onto Coaching Staff – Report

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Alec Musa | Last updated 2/1/24

The Antonio Pierce era for the Las Vegas Raiders will start next fall after the franchise removed the interim tag from Pierce’s job title early last month. The Raiders will also likely return defensive coordinator Patrick Graham next season. Meanwhile, they are still searching for their next offensive coordinator after the mid-season dismal of Mick Lombardi. However, Las Vegas did add to their coaching staff on Thursday. Per Pro Football Talk, the Raiders have hired former Cincinnati Bengals bench boss Marvin Lewis.

Marvin Lewis joins Raiders as assistant head coach. https://t.co/Ji3Tuln9uf

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 1, 2024

Lewis will serve as an assistant coach. Lewis and Pierce worked together at Arizona State University from 2019 to 2021. They operated as co-defensive coordinators during the 2020 season. The Sun Devils allowed 23.2 points per game that season, the 23rd-best mark in the country.

Marvin Lewis: Joining Las Vegas Raiders

Lewis will join the Las Vegas Raiders after five seasons at Arizona State University. Before working in college, he led the Cincinnati Bengals from 2003 to 2018. He won AP Coach of the Year in 2009. Lewis compiled a 131-122-3 record with the Bengals, including making the playoffs seven times. However, Cincinnati never won a playoff game during Lewis’ tenure. The Pennsylvania native also worked with the Washington Redskins, Baltimore Ravens, and Pittsburgh Steelers as an assistant coach. Lewis won a ring as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator in 2000.

Lewis started his coaching career in 1981 with the Idaho State Bengals. They won the FCS national championship that season. He also coached linebackers with the Long Beach State 49ers, New Mexico Lobos, and Pittsburgh Panthers before heading to the NFL in 1992.

Las Vegas Raiders: Turning Page on 2023

The Las Vegas Raiders went 8-9 this season, firing head coach Josh McDaniels after a 3-5 start. They also parted ways with general manager Dave Ziegler and offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi. Antonio Pierce took over, going 5-4 to finish the season. The Raiders finished with a top-ten defense led by pass rusher Maxx Crosby. The Eastern Michigan product recorded 14.5 sacks and 23 TFLs.

Meanwhile, the offense struggled, with starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo throwing just seven touchdowns against nine picks through seven games. Rookie fourth-round pick Aidan O’Connell took over, throwing 12 touchdowns against seven interceptions. Running back Josh Jacobs, who led the league in rushing during the 2022 season, rushed for just 805 yards and six touchdowns. The Raiders hold the 13th overall pick in the upcoming draft.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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