After a rough 10-game losing streak during the season, Antonio Pierce and the Las Vegas Raiders hoped to end this year on a 3-game win streak. However, they were unable to do so as they fell to the Los Angeles Chargers 34-20 in a game that wasn’t really that close.
Of course, the conversation immediately turned to Pierce’s job status and whether or not he would be returning as head coach of the Raiders next year. No one can argue that he hasn’t done as good a job as possible considering the hand he was dealt, but it is still unclear whether he will get a second full year at the helm.
As for Pierce’s thoughts himself, he chose not to speak on it in the postgame press conference, simply saying no comment when asked about his status after the Raiders’ season finale, via Anthony Galaviz of Yard Barker:
Following the game, Pierce met with the media and was asked twice about his job status as the head coach of the Raiders.
Twice, he said “no comment” to the media before exiting the stage, saying, “So you guys have a Happy New Year.”
Pierce also chose not to lament all of the drama and injuries the Raiders dealt with this season, simply focusing on the roster he had at his disposal and doing the best with that:
He was asked if he felt that he was working with a full stack amid rumors, trades and injuries.
“I was working with 53 guys, that’s all I can say,” Pierce told the media. “Whatever 53 guys I get, I work with them. It is what it is.”
Despite the best efforts of Aidan O’Connell, the Raiders struggled at the quarterback position, and that remains their most significant need this offseason. That shouldn’t fall on Pierce, nor should the injuries to such important pieces as Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins.
It is expected that owner Mark Davis will consult with minority owner Tom Brady and decide on Pierce’s status. Whatever that choice is, most realize that Pierce did all he could with this Raiders team, but who knows whether or not that will be enough to keep his job.
Raiders’ Brock Bowers & Maxx Crosby named to AFC Pro Bowl roster
There were still a couple of bright spots for the Raiders this season, and they were honored with AFC Pro Bowl selections.
Star defensive end Maxx Crosby got the nod despite missing part of the season due to injury, while rookie tight end Brock Bowers was also named a Pro Bowler after a historic rookie season in which he broke a ton of records.
