Raiders' Davante Adams explains why he wants Antonio Pierce to earn HC gig

"I mean, it's obviously who I want, that's my vote, and I've been vocal about that and that's basically how the whole locker room feels and with good reason," he said in a Wednesday news conference. "I mean, he's come in and done a great job, and he's continued to win us over. It's not just the comfortable thing; I think having A.P. here it will be good for this organization."

Pierce assumed HC duties when the Raiders (7-9) fired Josh McDaniels after Week 8. He's 4-4 and has helped Las Vegas' defense become one of the best in the NFL. It's eighth in the league in points (19.8) and 10th in passing yards allowed (210.8). 

The offense has underwhelmed, though, and rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell isn't developing into a franchise cornerstone. The Raiders are 25th in points scored (19.1), while O'Connell's posted a below-average 36.9 QBR in 10 games. Not all of these problems fall on Pierce, but it's fair to wonder if an offensive-minded coach could solve them.

Davis is interested in hiring candidates with a proven résumé. Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Michigan and former San Francisco 49ers HC Jim Harbaugh is "in play" for the Raiders.

Still, if the club can't land Harbaugh and Pierce beats the Denver Broncos on Sunday, the Raiders should seriously consider promoting him. He's made the best of less-than-ideal circumstances and might excel with an upgraded roster. More importantly, he's earned the locker room's trust.