Raiders risk losing Antonio Pierce as he is set to interview with AFC team

If the Las Vegas Raiders are not careful they might lose their players' choice to be the team's new head coach. According to a report from NFL Network's Mike Garafolo on Friday morning, the Tennessee Titans are set to interview Raiders interim coach Antonio Pierce this week.

Pierce took over the Raiders job earlier this season following the in-season firing of Josh McDaniels. Pierce oversaw an immediate turnaround in Las Vegas that saw the team go 5-4 in the second half and dramatically improve their defense. Under McDaniels, the Raiders allowed 23.5 points per game but allowed just 16 points per game. That second-half schedule saw the Raiders play a lot of tough offenses, including Kansas City twice, Miami and Indianapolis.

The 23.5 points per game under McDaniels would have ranked 25th in the NFL for the season. The 16 points allowed per game under Pierce would have ranked first in the NFL. 

Several Raiders players, including wide receiver DaVante Adams, have spoken publicly in favor of hiring Pierce.

The fact it has not happened yet, and that he is now exploring options outside of Las Vegas, should be concerning to Raiders players and fans. Especially since it would not be the first time in recent years that owner Mark Davis made a questionable decision. Back in 2021 he had Rich Bisaccia as his interim coach and watched him lead the Raiders to a 7-5 record and the playoffs after taking over for Jon Gruden. Instead of giving Bisaccia a chance as his full-time coach, he made the now-infamous choice to hire Josh McDaniels. 

The Titans head coaching job is open following the team's decision to move on from Mike Vrabel earlier this week.

Finding a good head coach is tough. The Raiders might have lucked their way into one with Pierce given the way he finished the season. They just can not make the same mistake they made two years ago and refuse to acknowledge it.