Antonio Pierce received enthusiastic support Wednesday when he was named the Raiders' permanent head coach.
The former Giants linebacker, who took over as head coach in Las Vegas after the firing of Josh McDaniels, received high praise from star wide receiver Davante Adams.
Pierce, 45, has gone 4-4 since being named interim coach and has helped change the culture around the Raiders.
“Obviously that's who I wanted, that was my vote, and I've been vocal about it,” Adams, 31, told reporters Wednesday. “That's the basic feel of the whole locker room, and there's good reason for that. He's come in and done a great job. He continues to impress us. It's not just about being comfortable. No. I think having AP here is good for this organization. He kind of embodies what it means to be a Raider.
“That mentality, that swag and everything he stands for is something that I believe in. For a guy like me, especially hanging out with him a little bit this year and getting to know him and seeing his evolution. It's easy because I could see it right in front of my team. All of those things, all the different areas of being a head coach. I'm definitely rooting for him. ”
The comments may indicate that the Jets are interested at this season's trade deadline and that Adams, who was at one point mentioned as a possible move, has changed his tune.
Either way, Raiders owner Mark Davis will have a big decision to make during the offseason regarding who will take over the head coaching job.
In late December, Sports Illustrated reported that Davis had “unresolved feelings” about another interim coach, Rich Bisaccia, stepping down from the full-time position in 2021.
“My resume is on the grass,” Pearce told reporters when speaking about the position last month.
“And hopefully Mark Davis sees improvement and growth within our team. He's found the style and play that he wants for the Raiders. He's got a fan base behind us. He's looking at a building that he loves coming to work and loves being here,” Pearce said.
Pierce spent nine seasons in the league as a player, winning Super Bowl XLII with the Giants.
