Raiders Aiming to Capitalize on the Momentum of Coach Antonio Pierce’s Hiring
The Las Vegas Raiders finished last season on a high note and aim to maintain their momentum.
The quest for the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coaching role was likely the most discussed open coaching position of the NFL offseason. Following a 5-4 finish in the latter part of last season, the Raiders appointed Antonio Pierce as their permanent head coach.
Jason Fitz of Yahoo Sports asserts that the momentum Pierce generated at the end of last season is genuine. The Raiders now need to build on that momentum.
“I think one of the most exciting aspects of getting a new coach is discovering the new personality of an organization,” Fitz stated. “Antonio Pierce was initially an interim coach for the Raiders, and now he’s their full-time coach. I didn’t have high expectations when he first took over as interim coach last year. There was a lot of talk about the ‘Raider way,’ which often sounded like clichés.
“However, when I speak to players in the locker room, they mention a different energy. The players love being there every day and want to be around his energy. In my opinion, the best coaches are those who connect with both the city and the franchise.”
Fitz believes Pierce and the Raiders have a significant opportunity ahead.
“Antonio Pierce has a real opportunity to capitalize on this,” Fitz said. “However, there needs to be experienced leadership, and strategic planning is essential to compete against other coaches.”
“You’re going to have to be a great coach. What excites me this year is that it’s someone who deeply understands what it means to be part of this organization and franchise. Sometimes you need someone with that level of passion to help turn things around.
“I don’t know if it will happen, but I’m excited because it feels like there’s a different energy in the building than there has been for years, even from the outside looking in. AP has brought that energy, regardless of who the previous coaches were.”
As the Raiders prepare to open their season against the Los Angeles Chargers, Yahoo Sports’ Frank Schwab believes the Raiders made the right decision by keeping Coach Pierce.
“This was the right hire,” Schwab said. “Let’s see what Antonio Pierce can do because, as you mentioned, the franchise and its fan base really got behind him. What’s the harm in seeing if he can maintain that momentum?”
