He opened his debut press conference as Raiders head coach with a loud “Raaiiiddersss” chant, as only Antonio Pierce could do.
The former linebackers coach was promoted to temporary head coach on October 31, leading the team to five victories at the end of the 2023 season, three of which were against division opponents. The former Super Bowl-winning linebacker won the respect and affection of his teammates and fans while also demonstrating what he could bring if given the opportunity to guide the ship, prompting his permanent hire.
Following the joint introduction press conference with General Manager Tom Telesco, Raiders.com’s Levi Edwards spoke with Pierce about what’s to expect in Las Vegas.
Antonio Pierce: He assembled a very talented squad. It all starts with the quarterback, Justin Herbert. They have a man who can really toss the football around. A highly skilled roster. Big, tall, length, and speed. When you look at them on paper and view them on film, it’s frightening. We knew we had to prepare for it and perform at our best because of the athletic DNA of that team and the way they were created.
LE: How useful is it to have a general manager who is already familiar with the AFC West?
AP: It’s massive because there’s no guesswork. He is familiar with the Chiefs, the Broncos, and, of course, the team from which he recently returned. He realizes he needs to get to know the Las Vegas Raiders. I believe this is beneficial to us. That accelerates the process and learning curve of what it takes to win in this division, which is the most essential thing we need to focus on and provide the groundwork for how we create our squad.
LE: Could you walk me through the interview process and meet Telesco?
AP: We had never met before, so
AP:Â There’s nothing like experience. He’s somebody who has been there and done that. You can kind of lean on him and trust that he went through a lot of these ups-and-downs and pinnacles. He did a great job with his former team, we need him to do the same thing here.
AP: There’s no substitute for experience. He’s been there, done that. You can rely on him because he has experienced many ups and downs and pinnacles. He performed an excellent job with his previous squad; we need him to do the same here.
AP: It comes back to respect; I had to earn it with them. You have to gain their trust and accountability, and we labored for nine weeks to provide the greatest product possible. When you’re a former player and now a coach, and current and former players across the league see what you’ve done, they’re rooting for you not just because you were a player, but because you’re the best person for the job – which is to be the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.
LE: What is your message to the Raider Nation?
AP: Raider Nation is always here, baby. Show up; we are going to build this bad boy. Soon, we’ll be able to show off with you.
