It seems like the Las Vegas Raiders are narrowing down their options for head coach.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Antonio Pierce has emerged as the front-runner to take over as head coach of the Raiders. The Raiders have options besides the interim coach, but league sources say they would be shocked if the team took a different direction.
Pierce’s rise to prominence as the front-runner for the position seems to be dependent on player support. For example, prominent pass rusher Maxx Crosby has publicly urged owner Mark Davis to retain Pierce and remove the interim tag. Others, like Davante Adams, have expressed their strong desire for Pierce to be hired.
After Josh McDaniels was dismissed, Pierce took over and went 5-4 in the final stretch, winning against Kansas City on the road. Although the Raiders had a few high-profile alternatives, Davis might have felt that it would be better for the squad to keep the players happy rather than cause a rift.
