Prior to being promoted from linebackers coach to NFL head coach with the Las Vegas Raiders—an unlikely promotion, no doubt—Antonio Pierce had limited head coaching experience. He had directed the programme at Long Beach Poly High School and worked with Herm Edwards at Arizona State, but he had never been the head coach of an NFL football team before. Pierce sought advice from a mentor, former Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, after taking over as interim coach of the Raiders.
As NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero stated on Twitter/X: “As Antonio Pierce hires staff in Las Vegas, former #Bengals coach Marvin Lewis is expected to be there.” Pierce hired Lewis, who had previously coached him in Washington, to assist him after being appointed interim head coach. Lewis is now expected to be on staff in a more formal manner.
Lewis’ function is yet to be determined. Pierce is only starting to work on his staff, which is being assisted by another of his former coaches, Giants icon Tom Coughlin. Pierce has one of the best defensive coordinators in the industry in Patrick Graham, and the Raiders are focused on keeping him, since an opposing team was refused the opportunity to interview him for a promotion this summer.
