Coaching a struggling NFL team is never an easy task, and Antonio Pierce is fully aware of the challenges that come with it. After stepping in as the Las Vegas Raiders’ interim head coach in 2023, Pierce earned the full-time role in 2024, with the opportunity to build upon what he had started. However, with mixed results in his first season and a half, Pierce, who has the experience of being a former NFL player, understands the pressure of the job, as he revealed in comments shared by Jesse Merrick on X.
“I appreciate the support, win, lose, or draw,” Pierce remarked, recognizing the loyal Raiders fans who’ve stuck with him despite the team’s struggles. “When you’re the face of the organization, you take the good with the bad. When we win, it’s ‘AP! AP!’ When we lose, it’s ‘Get rid of him!’ I get it. It’s part of the business. When I played well, I stayed and got paid. When I didn’t, I moved on. That’s the reality of the NFL.”
Pierce went on to commend Raider Nation for their unwavering support, particularly in the face of adversity. “For the nine road games we had, they showed up to every one of them. Raider Nation has been incredible,” he said. “I appreciate their support, through the good, bad, and ugly. I get it and I don’t flinch. It’s part of the job. We need to win more games, and that’s what everyone, including myself, expects.”
With a 9-17 record over 27 games, it’s understandable that frustration is growing among the fanbase. Pierce has faced criticism after the Raiders’ disappointing 34-20 loss to the Chargers in their season finale, and while his job security is uncertain, the coaching situation remains in limbo.
The Raiders’ lack of progress under Pierce has been a point of concern. Despite not having the best conditions to succeed, the team has struggled to take a significant step forward. The Raiders regressed from their 8-9 record in 2023, leaving fans questioning if a change at the top is inevitable.
Yet, whether or not the Raiders decide to move on from Pierce, one thing is clear: he’s well aware of the realities of NFL coaching. With his background as both a player and a coach, he understands the cutthroat nature of the business—results matter, and in the NFL, the pressure to win is always relentless.
