Raiders Hire Former Giants Star For Revamped Coaching Staff

The coaching staff surrounding new Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels is filling up fast. It has been reported that former New York Giants' star Antonio Pierce has been hired as the team's linebackers coach and will work under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham for the 2022 season.

The #Raiders have reached agreement with Antonio Pierce as their linebackers coach, sources say. The former #Giants Pro Bowl LB is back in the NFL on the coaching level after spending the last few years as a defensive assistant with Arizona State.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 15, 2022

Raiders News

Pierce started his coaching experience in 2014 by leading Long Beach Poly High School before turning to college football in 2017. The 43-year-old has been working on recruiting efforts and defense with the Arizona State Sun Devils since then and is now prepared to make the leap to NFL coaching.

Of course, Pierce is best known for his run with the Giants from 2005-09. The Pro Bowl linebacker racked up 491 tackles (34.0 for loss), 7.0 sacks, 33 pass breakups, 4 interceptions and 6 force fumbles during that span and was part of the Super Bowl XXLI winning team during the 2007 season.

There will certainly be no shortage of talent for Pierce to work with on this Raiders roster. Linebacker Denzel Perryman made his first Pro Bowl in 2021 after leading the team with 154 tackles (5.0 for loss). Meanwhile, Cory Littleton enjoyed a bounce-back season with 98 tackles and 4 pass breakups.

It'll be interesting to see how Pierce's first taste of NFL coaching goes. He could become another former linebacker to shine on the sidelines after DeMeco Ryans became a head coaching candidate this past cycle. For now, the Raiders will aim to improve their roster through the upcoming NFL Draft and free agency period.

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