As a result of all this, and anticipating a future far from significant results, the management ultimately made the drastic decision to fire Pierce from his role as head coach. This marks the end of his journey as the Raiders’ after one year.

The news was confirmed by NFL insider Adam Schefter through his official X (formerly Twitter) account @AdamSchefter: “Another change in Las Vegas: Raiders fired head coach Antonio Pierce, per source. Raiders now have gone from Jon Gruden, who resigned in 2021, to Josh McDaniels, who was fired in 2023, to firing Pierce in 2025,” he stated.

Additionally, the journalist added: “The Raiders endured a 10-game losing streak during Antonio Pierce’s only season as full-time head coach. It was also the first time they went winless against AFC West opponents since 2006. Several players continued to voice support for Pierce after the season, and he admitted he should have trusted his “gut” more. However, ownership has decided he won’t get that chance.”

The Raiders ended their season with just four victories and 13 losses. In their final game, they were defeated at home 34-20 by Justin Herbert’s Chargers.

The role of Tom Brady

Tom Brady’s situation is well-known, as he recently became one of the owners of the Raiders, meaning his influence in decision-making will slowly begin to take shape.

According to journalist Schefter, the former Patriots player will be part of the committee conducting interviews for the franchise’s new head coach.

“Raiders limited owner Tom Brady is expected to be part of a collaborative committee to interview head coaching candidates and support team owner Mark Davis, per league sources.”

The situation with Tom Telesco

After the announcement of Antonio Pierce’s firing as head coach of the Raiders, many began to question the situation of General Manager Tom Telesco.

According to Adam Schefter, Tom Telesco’s situation in Las Vegas will be very different from Pierce’s. The journalist confirmed through his social media that Telesco will remain in his role and will not be fired, at least for the moment.

“Raiders are retaining GM Tom Telesco, per source,” Schefter stated.

The final score was 19-17 in favor of Andy Reid’s team. Although the game was very close, the home team didn’t face many major challenges throughout the match. The Raiders could have pulled off the big upset of the day, but key mistakes on crucial plays left them empty-handed.

Aidan O’Connell took over the starting role after Gardner Minshew’s tough injury last weekend, and he didn’t hide from his responsibility after the game where his team came very close to beating the Chiefs.

“It’s completely my fault,” O’Connell said. “I was looking out to the right making sure guys were set, and I started clapping. In my head, I was thinking signal the ball to get the ball, but when I start clapping, it basically tells Jackson to snap the ball.”

“Jackson did exactly what he should’ve done. I clapped too early. That’s just how the football bounces sometimes; it didn’t go our way. Super tough, but there’s really nobody to blame but myself. That’s probably the hardest part to swallow,” O’Connell finally concluded.

The mistake on the final key play of the game

The Raiders currently hold one of the worst records in the league with ten losses and only two wins so far this season. However, they gave a strong fight to the current two-time NFL champions and even could have won the game in the final moments.

The player who lamented the decisive play was none other than cornerback Jackson Powers-Johnson, who couldn’t quite sync up with O’Connell. Both took responsibility for the situation. This was reported by Tashaan Reid through his X (formerly Twitter) account @tashaanreid.

“Raiders C Jackson Powers-Johnson said it was a miscommunication on the final offensive play. He thought O’Connell was calling for the snap, but he wasn’t. He shouldered the blame. ‘We didn’t come up short,’ Powers-Johnson said, ‘I came up short.’“

Las Vegas Raiders upcoming games

• vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers, December 8th
• vs Atlanta Falcons, December 16th
• vs Jacksonville Jaguars, December 22nd
• vs New Orleans Saints, December 29th
• vs Los Angeles Chargers, January 5th

The Chiefs are on a 10-1 streak and want to continue to be strong contenders to win the Super Bowl, so they will look to leave no doubt and defeat the weak Raiders, who are 2-9 and have no expectations of having a good season.

It’s been a rough ride for Las Vegas this season. From the troubled departure of star Davante Adams to the New York Jets, to injuries and starting quarterback changes. As they prepare to face the Chiefs in a divisional matchup, another big name is set to leave the field.

The important player who won’t play for the Raiders

The key player who will not be available for Antonio Pierce‘s Raiders is none other than running back Alexander Mattison. The key weapon of the Las Vegas franchise missed last Sunday’s loss to the Denver Broncos with an ankle injury and was listed as questionable for the divisional matchup against Andy Reid‘s Chiefs.

Injuries are a problem for Pierce and Raiders

Pierce is having trouble putting together a competitive team, something that happened to him throughout the season. Aidan O’Connell will be the starting quarterback after recovering from a broken thumb suffered in the October 20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. However, the Raiders’ head coach has other players out.

Zamir White (quadriceps) was ruled out for the second straight week, as was Mattison. Corner Nate Hobbs, guard Cody Whitehair, wide receiver Ramel Keyton, tight end Harrison Bryant and defensive tackle Matthew Butler will also be out Friday.

Andy Reid to count on two Super Bowl champions to face Raiders

While Andy Reid confirmed in recent hours that Patrick Mahomes will miss key Chiefs teammate against the Raiders, the Chiefs’ head coach will be happy to have two Super Bowl champions back. They are running back Isiah Pacheco and defensive end Charles Omenihu, who were activated from injured reserve for the Black Friday game.

The loss to the Denver Broncos at home, 29-19, not only worsened Las Vegas’ record, bringing it to just two wins and nine losses, but it also confirmed the serious injury suffered by their starting quarterback.

The player in question is none other than the experienced Gardner Minshew, who, during the game, broke his collarbone, thus ending his participation in this season defending the Raiders’ colors.

The news was confirmed by NFL insider Ian Rapoport through his X (formerly Twitter) account @RapSheet: “Raiders QB Gardner Minshew broke his collarbone and is out for the season, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo. A frustrating end for Minshew.”

Who will replace Minshew?

The outlook for the coaching staff of the Las Vegas Raiders seems exceedingly complicated. The confirmation of Gardner Minshew’s serious injury now puts the quarterback position in jeopardy for what lies ahead. Aidan O’Connell, who has had some playing time this season, could expedite his recovery and potentially start against the Chiefs.

Rapoport, in addition to confirming the injury, posted on his social media statements from head coach Antonio Pierce, who mentioned that the decision regarding O’Connell’s return will fall to the medical staff for confirmation.

“Coach Antonio Pierce confirms Gardner Minshew is out for the season and says of Aidan O’Connell, ‘Have to rely on doctors and medical staff.’ Sounds like if the ramp up goes well, and if he can grip properly, O’Connell plays Friday.”

Could Daniel Jones make his way to Las Vegas?

One of the biggest storylines in recent days in the NFL has undoubtedly been the departure of QB Daniel Jones from the New York Giants. The former Duke player made the abrupt decision to leave the franchise in the Big Apple and seek new opportunities.

Now, with the serious injury suffered by Gardner Minshew confirmed and considering that O’Connell may not be fully healthy, it’s not far-fetched to think about the possibility of Jones joining the Raiders.

On the other hand, the Raiders are just a couple of games away from securing a high pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, which could allow them to select a young talent from college. Speculation is starting to swirl, but as of now, nothing is set in stone.

What’s next for the Las Vegas Raiders?

• vs Kansas City Chiefs, November 29th
• vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers, December 8th
• vs Atlanta Falcons, December 16th
• vs Jacksonville Jaguars, December 22nd
• vs New Orleans Saints, December 29th

In the updated gameday accountability report released on Saturday, the NFL confirmed it has imposed multiple penalties on Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby while also fining rookie linebacker Amari Gainer.

Both fines stem from Week 11, when the Raiders suffered a 34-19 loss to the Miami Dolphins in South Florida. Crosby’s pocket was significantly hit with two different penalties, which saw him lose $23,072 in total.

The NFL handed Crosby a $11,255 fine for Unsportsmanlike Conduct (taunting) and also a $11,817 fine for Unnecessary Roughness (striking/kicking/kneeing). Both violations took place in the first quarter of the Raiders’ loss in Miami, with less than two minutes separating the infractions.

Garner, meanwhile, was charged $4,454 for Unnecessary Roughness (use of the helmet) during the second quarter, with only 45 seconds remaining before halftime at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Pierce, Raiders going through a rough patch in 2024 NFL season

The Raiders only found out about these fines on Saturday, when the NFL updates its gameday accountability summary from the previous week’s violations. However, things are only getting worse in Vegas.

On Sunday, the Raiders lost for the seventh straight week by falling 29-19 to the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. Pierce’s team hasn’t won since September 29, when it beat the Cleveland Browns 20-16 in the Sin City.

Right now, the Raiders are stuck at the bottom of the AFC West with a 2-9 record, tied with the Jacksonville Jaguars as the worst team in the conference and with the New York Giants in the entire NFL.

Pierce confirms Raiders lose QB Gardner Minshew with season-ending injury

The outlook isn’t getting any better for Pierce and company, who will have to play none other than the defending Super Bowl champions in a short week. On Friday, November 29, the Raiders will take on the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead in a highly anticipated Black Friday Game. Curiously, the Chiefs also appeared on the league’s gameday accountability report with the NFL fining Patrick Mahomes for a controversial gesture.

This divisional matchup comes in terrible timing for the Raiders. Apart from going through a terrible losing streak, the team has just found out it will miss a key player for the remainder of the 2024 NFL season.

On Monday, Pierce confirmed that quarterback Gardner Minshew will be sidelined for the rest of the year due to a broken collarbone. The Raiders coach has yet to see whether Aidan O’Connell, who has been on Injured Reserve since October due to a fractured thumb, is cleared for Friday’s game.

Hill had minutes against the Los Angeles Rams in the Monday Night Football game, collecting three receptions and a touchdown. The Dolphins wide receiver appeared to have recovered from his wrist injury, but doubts about his status have surfaced in recent hours as the 30-year-old did not participate in Wednesday’s practice.

The Dolphins shared information that Hill’s absence was due to the fact that the practice was actually a practice. The former Kansas City Chiefs receiver was on the field during Thursday’s regular practice and participated normally, suggesting he will be able to play against Pierce’s Raiders.

Hill played in every game for the Dolphins this season, recording 37 receptions for 462 yards and just two touchdowns, the lowest single-season total of his career to date. Sunday’s game looks like an ideal opportunity to see him back on the field.

Key moment of the season for the Dolphins

The Dolphins have clearly not had an easy season, with a serious injury to now recovered quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and a lack of big name trades down the stretch. A 3-6 record puts the season on an uphill climb for the Miami franchise, which is virtually forced to pull out a win in each of its upcoming games to contend for the Wild Card.

Other players are ready to play for the Dolphins

The Dolphins get more faces back from the roster to play Pierce‘s Raiders, who are 2-7 on the season and have no major aspirations for the future other than to complete the schedule. The Las Vegas franchise is on a five-game losing streak.

However, despite the opponents, every game is crucial. That’s why the Dolphins would again count on left guard Robert Jones and safety Jordan Poyer, who were also at Thursday’s practice after being listed as out on Wednesday.

No one expected such a disappointing season for Antonio Pierce’s squad, but the reality is that the Las Vegas Raiders have just two wins and seven losses under their belt, with a tough schedule ahead.

Knowing the tough position they’re in, one option is undoubtedly to regroup and turn things around, becoming a tough opponent for the teams that remain on the Raiders’ schedule. At least that’s how Maxx Crosby sees it.

“The reality is you know, we are what record is. It is 2-7. Which is not good,” said Raiders defensive end on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “So I look at it as being the Joker. If we are not going to be the king of the castle right now, might as well go and ruin everyone’s season. And I love that. I love being the villain. You know what I mean. I embrace that.

“Whoever we are going to be playing they are going to get the best version of me. And I expect the rest of the guys to be flying around and ready to perform once we come back from this break. And I think it is good. At this time of course we want to go and get a couple of wins before the bye week, but the reality is, we are 2-7,” Crosby concluded.

Internal struggles plague Raiders as they aim to rebuild

Logically, when things don’t go as expected at the start of the season, the mood inside the team isn’t the best. And clearly, this has been the case for the Las Vegas Raiders. Injuries, Davante Adams’ departure, and issues at the QB position have led to general dissatisfaction within the roster, prompting a meeting with the staff.

According to CBS Sports reporter Jonathan Jones, the Raiders roster, led by Maxx Crosby, held a closed-door meeting with the coaching staff to express their dissatisfaction and address the “lack of discipline and accountability” within the organization.

“Sources tell CBS Sports that several Raiders players, including team captain Maxx Crosby, spoke openly in a players-and-staff meeting Monday addressing what they viewed as inefficiencies and deficiencies within the organization on a week-to-week basis,” Jones wrote.

Reset and start over

Week 10 in the NFL, and Antonio Pierce’s Raiders have a bye week. A crucial moment for a franchise that has struggled to find its footing so far, and this break is an important opportunity to recharge and approach the final stretch of the season with renewed determination.

Next week, the Raiders will be back in action against none other than the Miami Dolphins, led by Tua Tagovailoa. Both teams share the same record and have faced serious struggles in trying to get their season back on track.

Facing the Dolphins presents a great opportunity to put Maxx Crosby’s words into practice and try to secure as many wins as possible to finish the year with their heads held high.

Las Vegas Raiders upcoming matches:

• vs Miami Dolphins, November 17th
• vs Denver Broncos, November 24th
• vs Kansas City Chiefs, November 29th
• vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers, December 8th
• vs Atlanta Falcons, December 16th

With a 2-4 record following Week 6 in the NFL, the Raiders must find a way to reverse their bad streak, starting with their next game against the Rams. Pierce didn’t hold back in addressing his team, issuing a strong wake-up call to his players.

After the loss, Pierce expressed his frustration to the Las Vegas Journal about the team’s current form: “We don’t respect the ball enough, so we don’t even deserve a chance to put ourselves in a position to win. Our record is what it shows, we’re 2-4. It’s not good enough.”

Pierce has a lot to work on, as he reflects on the team’s recent performances, with key players like Ameer Abdullah and Gardner Minshew II struggling to find their best form.

Pierce takes accountability

The Raiders‘ head coach was also self-critical, acknowledging his own responsibility for the team’s poor results in recent weeks. Pierce recognized the significant point differential in their last two losses, with each defeat coming by more than 20 points.

“We’re not coaching well enough, we’re not playing well enough, and we’re not detailing well enough,” Pierce said. His message raised concerns among fans, who will be watching closely as the team looks to bounce back in their next game.

What’s next for Pierce and the Raiders?

As the NFL season approaches its midpoint, the Raiders need to regroup if they hope to make a push for the playoffs. The upcoming games will be critical in determining whether Pierce can shift the team’s mentality and turn their season around.

The Raiders following matches:

• vs. Rams – October 20 – Week 7
• vs. Chiefs – October 27 – Week 8
• vs. Bengals – November 3 – Week 9
• Break – Week 10
• vs. Dolphins – November 17 – Week 11

With a 2-3 record, Pierce is focusing on Week 6 as a turning point to rebuild the Raiders’ path toward the NFL postseason. Addressing key mistakes that have cost the team in previous games is now his top priority.

Pierce distanced himself from Adams’ departure when asked about the situation by journalist Ari Meirov. “I don’t know. You’d have to ask Davante,” Pierce responded, signaling a strained relationship between the two, which may have contributed to Adams’ decision to leave. Pierce added, “It’s status quo.”

Antonio Pierce’s journey with the Raiders

Pierce joined the Raiders as a linebacker coach in 2022 before stepping into the head coaching role. His coaching career began at Long Beach Poly High School, where he served from 2014 to 2017.

So far this season, the Raiders have scored 96 points in five games, totaled 1,485 yards, and executed 298 offensive plays. To turn things around, Pierce will need to focus on tightening the team’s performance and minimizing errors.

Davante Adams’ impact on the Raiders

Though Adams’ tenure with the Raiders was brief, he was a key contributor. Despite missing 2 of 5 games due to injury, Adams offered a spark of hope for the team and fans alike.

In his two starts, Adams recorded 27 targets, 18 receptions, 209 receiving yards, 10 first-down catches, and 1 touchdown. His absence leaves a void in the Raiders’ offense as they look to regroup.

The 28-year-old was having a rough day in Denver, with the Raiders trailing 20-10 at that point after going scoreless in the second and third quarter. Before leaving the field, Minshew completed 12 of 17 passes for 137 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions, including a 100-yard pick six by Pat Surtain.

This underwhelming outing seems to put Minshew’s job at risk, but the Mississippi native made it clear to Pierce he’ll accept whatever the coach deems best for the Raiders.

“It is what it is. Try to help the team, whatever I can. Try to still be an Aidan’s ear, tell him things I’ve been seeing and keep providing a positive presence on the sideline,” Minshew said of Aidan O’Connell, who replaced him in Denver. “At the end of the day, no matter what my role [is] on the team, I’m going to try and help the team any way I can. That starts getting back in the building tomorrow and getting back to work.”

O’Connell, who finished the 2023 NFL season as the Raiders’ starting quarterback in his rookie year, completed 10 of 20 passes for 94 yards and an interception on Sunday’s 18-34 loss against the Broncos.

Pierce uncertain on whether Minshew or O’Connell will be Raiders’ QB1

While Minshew getting benched last time out makes many wonder whether the Raiders will make a change at quarterback, Pierce has yet to decide who will be under center in Week 6 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“Yeah, just keep evaluating the film, evaluating everything from scheme, players — everything,” Pierce told reporters on Monday, via Pro Football Talk. “So, we’re still doing that upstairs, currently.”

In four weeks at the helm of the Raiders’ offense in 2024, Minshew has thrown for 1,014 yards with four touchdowns and five interceptions, recording a 70.7 completion percentage. O’Connell, on the other hand, has a 59.4 completion percentage after throwing for 176 yards with a touchdown and an interception in two appearances in 2024.

Pierce, however, made sure to show some praise for O’Connell, who put up 2,218 passing yards, 12 passing touchdowns and 7 interceptions in 10 games as a starter in 2023: “Aiden understands, is a cerebral player, knows where the ball needs to go. So, I’ve seen enough of Aiden and a lot this year — I know what to expect when Aiden gets in the game.”

Adams is ruled out of the game against the Broncos. The injury report states that the wide receiver has a hamstring strain, but the fact is that the trade request and his possible landing with the New York Jets is reason enough to keep him out of the action.

The key player Pierce could get back for the Raiders‘ game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday is none other than defensive end Maxx Crosby, who is listed as questionable. The 27-year-old sat out last weekend’s game with an ankle injury and missed two days of practice last week, but returned to the field on Friday.

Crosby has been a key weapon on the field for the Raiders, who sit fourth in the AFC West with a 2-2 record and are coming off a narrow 20-16 win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 4.

Maxx Crosby stats in the 2024 NFL season

Crosby played in three of the Raiders’ four games this season, recording eight tackles and six assisted tackles (14 total). His best performance came in the Week 2 win over the Baltimore Ravens when he had six combined tackles.

Las Vegas Raiders injury report

Crosby’s return could be big news for Antonio Pierce’s Las Vegas Raiders, who have a long list of injured players, including Davante Adams. Tackle Thayer Munford (knee), cornerback Decamerion Richardson (hamstring), tight end Michael Mayer (personal dislocation), safety Trey Taylor (knee), running back Zamir White (groin) and linebacker Luke Masterson (knee) are also out against the Broncos.