Raiders hiring Antonio Pierce as their linebackers coach

Antonio Pierce is back in the NFL. The former linebacker is joining Josh McDaniel’s Raiders staff as their linebackers coach, reports Mike Garafolo (via Twitter).

After spending the first four years of his career in Washington, Pierce became a fan favorite during his time with the Giants. Pierce ended up spending five seasons in New York, compiling 691 tackles, nine sacks, and eight forced fumbles. Pierce earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2006, and he won a Super Bowl ring the following season, compiling 25 tackles in the Giants’ four playoff games.

After retiring following the 2009 season, Pierce resurfaced a few years later on the coaching circuit. He’s been with Arizona State since 2018, working his way up from linebackers coach to associate head coach/defensive coordinator.

As Garafolo notes on Twitter, Pierce interviewed for a coaching job on the Giants a few years ago when Patrick Graham was hired as Joe Judge’s defensive coordinator. That move obviously didn’t come together, but Pierce will now have an opportunity to coach alongside Graham in Las Vegas.