The Raiders are taking their sweet time and the Titans may take advantage.
Antonio Pierce, the Raiders’ interim head coach, is interviewing this weekend with the Titans for their coaching vacancy, according to NFL Network.
The Raiders are still “firmly” in the mix for Pierce, but it’s clear he’s not going to pass on other opportunities while Las Vegas does its own search, per the report.
Pierce, 45, impressed after stepping in for the fired Josh McDaniels on Oct. 31, 2023.
The Raiders went 5-4 under Pierce to finish 8-9, and even stunned the Chiefs on Christmas.
The players made it clear they did not appreciate McDaniels’ brash style, but Pierce won them over.
Star receiver Davante Adams said he’d like Pierce to have the interim tag removed.
Raiders interim coach Antonio Pierce. Getty Images“It’s obviously who I wanted and that’s my vote, and I’ve been vocal about that,” Adams said last week. “That’s basically how the whole locker room feels and with good reason. He’s come in and done a great job. He’s continued to win us over. It’s not just the comfortable thing. I think having AP here will be good for this organization. He kind of embodies what it means to be a Raider.
“That mentality, that swag and all the things he endorses is the things that I believe in. It’s easy for a guy like me, especially having dealt with him a little bit this year now and gotten to know him and see his evolution in front of the team. All those things, all those different fields of being a head coach. Definitely rooting for him.”
The sentiment was distilled by star defensive end Maxx Crosby on Friday morning.
Antonio Pierce celebrates the Raiders’ Week 18 win. Getty Images“#HireAP,” he wrote on X.
Raiders owner Mark Davis reportedly was impressed in November by how his team played under Pierce, his history proves it’s hard to know what will matter to him in his search.
There’s nothing wrong with the Raiders doing their due diligence, but they have to know that Pierce cannot just wait on Davis to make up his mind.
Mark Davis (l) and Antonio Pierce (r). Getty ImagesThe Titans job surprisingly opened this week after Tennessee fired Mike Vrabel.
Tennessee is coming off a last-place finish in the AFC South, and is headed for a rebuild that may not include running back Derrick Henry.
While Pierce clearly would like to remain a head coach, the Giants could look to Pierce in their search for a defensive coordinator should he be passed over for the seven current openings.
