No teams can hold face-to-face interviews with coaches employed by other teams until at least January 22. In the meantime a couple of outside teams have requested interviews with Raiders interim head coach Antonio Pierce for their head coaching vacancies.
The latest is the Atlanta Falcons according to NFL media’s Mike Garofolo.
One more for Antonio Pierce: The #Falcons have requested permission to interview him for their head-coaching job, sources say. Pierce interviewed for the #Titans’ gig yesterday. The #Raiders have not conducted any known HC interviews to this point.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 14, 2024
Pierce also held a virtual interview with the Titans this weekend.
And keep in mind, in case you are wondering if these interviews show legitimate interest because virtual interviews don’t satisfy the Rooney Rule.
The longtime linebackers coach is in demand because of the transformation of the Raiders team over the final nine games of this season under his leadership. He has the entire locker room behind him keeping the job. Maxx Crosby even went as far as to suggest he would explore asking for a trade if the Raiders don’t bring Pierce back.
There are a lot of teams would like to have a head coach who inspires his players like that.
There is no reason to be alarmed if you’re a Raiders fan that the team has yet to conduct a head coaching interview. They are currently in the process of interviewing General Manager candidates.
Most assume the GM/head coach hires will be as a combo as that is often the case. So deciding on a GM hire could influence who they go after to be head coach. They could also hire a new GM and stick with Pierce. They will have first dibs on retaining him after all. In the meantime, Pierce will explore potential outside options should the Raiders decide to go in another direction.