Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce
The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2024 season continues to sink into the abyss. After another heartbreaking loss on Monday Night Football, this time to the Atlanta Falcons, the Silver and Black fell to a dismal 2-12 record. The Raiders fought hard, but ultimately, they suffered their 10th straight loss, further cementing their place at the bottom of the AFC West.
With just three games left in the season, the focus now turns to the future of the franchise. Specifically, will head coach Antonio Pierce be back next year, or is the Raiders’ owner, Mark Davis, ready to make another coaching change?
Antonio Pierce’s Tough Road
Pierce, who took over as interim head coach earlier this season, has faced his fair share of challenges. Injuries have ravaged the roster, and the team has been in constant flux at the quarterback position. Despite these obstacles, the Raiders have continued to fight hard under Pierce, and many have praised the effort and energy the team has shown, especially given the circumstances.
However, effort alone may not be enough to save Pierce’s job.
“Last week, when Mark Davis spoke at the owners’ meetings, it was apparent that Antonio Pierce’s future is unsettled,” ESPN’s NFL Insider Adam Schefter said. “He was asked about the general manager [Tom Telesco] and the head coach, and he made it clear that he is evaluating them separately, not as a package deal. With the Raiders having hired Telesco during the offseason, he made it clear that each person will be judged independently of the other.”
Schefter’s comments underscore the precarious position Pierce finds himself in. While Davis hasn’t outright supported Pierce, it’s clear that the coach’s future will be evaluated based on how the team finishes the season—and on his ability to overcome the many challenges the Raiders have faced this year.
The Quarterback Crisis
One of the most glaring issues plaguing the Raiders this season is the ongoing quarterback saga. The team has been forced to cycle through multiple quarterbacks, none of whom have been able to provide stability at the position. From injuries to ineffective play, the Raiders have yet to find their long-term solution under center.
“It’s unfair to judge Antonio Pierce on the quarterback play he’s had this season,” Schefter noted. “The Raiders simply haven’t had the type of quarterback play that gives them a real chance to win. They’ve been through multiple quarterbacks, and it’s clear they haven’t found the right guy.”
This is a tough pill to swallow for a head coach trying to win games. With multiple quarterbacks being rotated in and out of the lineup, consistency on offense has been impossible to achieve. Pierce has tried to make the best of a bad situation, but the lack of a stable quarterback continues to haunt the team.
Mark Davis’ Decision Looms
The question now becomes: Will the Raiders’ owner, Mark Davis, give Pierce another year to try and right the ship, or will he make a change? Schefter seems to think Davis is taking a wait-and-see approach, acknowledging that Pierce’s future in Las Vegas is uncertain.
“If an owner is going to stand behind a guy, he stands behind the guy. Mark Davis did not stand behind Antonio Pierce,” Schefter said. “So, until he does, that is a real question. It’s also a little unfair to Antonio Pierce, considering the quarterback drama he’s been forced to deal with. They have not had a quarterback this year. Is it their fault that the six quarterbacks went right in front of them in the draft, and none of them were left when their turn rolled around? It’s a tough situation.”
The reality is, Davis will have to weigh Pierce’s ability to develop the team amidst a difficult season with the need for a fresh start. If Pierce doesn’t secure at least some level of success in the final three games, Davis could look for a new voice to lead the Raiders in 2025.
The Raiders’ Future: A New QB on the Horizon?
Beyond the coaching situation, the Raiders’ biggest priority in the offseason will be finding their next franchise quarterback. With no clear answer at the position, Las Vegas faces a crucial crossroads. Whoever steps in under center will be expected to lead the team back to relevancy, and that responsibility could significantly impact the future of head coach Antonio Pierce as well.
At the end of the day, whether Pierce stays or goes, the Raiders will need to overhaul their roster, starting with the quarterback position. With a new GM in place and the potential for a fresh start, the next few weeks will be crucial for both the team and its coaching staff.
As the Raiders close out a frustrating 2024 season, there are more questions than answers. Can Antonio Pierce finish the season strong enough to earn a full-time role? Will the franchise find its quarterback of the future? Only time will tell, but the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Silver and Black.
