The Las Vegas Raiders became the latest NFL team to change its leadership on Tuesday, firing Antonio Pierce after his first and only season as full-time head coach. Pierce, who was promoted from an interim position after the 2023 season, said Monday he didn’t expect to be fired, but Raiders owner Mark Davis is now planning his sixth head coaching search in a decade.
According to ESPN, Davis’s interview committee will include new minority owner Tom Brady. So, which names appear to be on their radar?
Here’s an early look at the logical candidates for landing in Vegas:
5. Deion Sanders
The former NFL icon is the face of Colorado football, having brought his glitzy personality to two different college programs. However, with his son, Shedeur, set to enter the pros at quarterback, who’s to say he won’t accept calls?
The Raiders have been linked to the younger Sanders for a while, given their dire need for help under center, and the Las Vegas area appears to fit the Sanders brand perfectly.
4. Ben Johnson
The Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator is a highly sought-after candidate, as he has helped build a winning team by leveraging the city’s top talent. In theory, he’d have a clean slate to work with in Vegas. Will he rush to lead a tumultuous franchise in a division with perennial Super Bowl contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs?
3. Liam Coen
If Johnson is the coveted name among offensive minds, Coen could be a great consolation prize. Formerly an understudy of Sean McVay, he has tested his designs at both the college and NFL levels.
His most recent accomplishment is Baker Mayfield’s career-high 41 passing scores this season. If the Raiders want to take a chance on a rising star on this side of the ball, he fits the bill.
2. Mike Vrabel
The former Tennessee Titans coach may be interested in joining the New England Patriots, where he previously won three Super Bowls.
But Vrabel’s tough-as-nails style would fit in with the Raiders’ culture, and he’d have the opportunity to work with an established general manager in Tom Telesco, as well as address quarterback and other key issues with a top-six draft pick and plenty of projected salary cap space.
Davis’ ownership group now includes Tom Brady, who is expected to play a significant role in future decisions.
1. Kliff Kingsbury
According to NFL Media, the Raiders came close to hiring the former Arizona Cardinals coach as their offensive coordinator last offseason.
Kingsbury’s work with rookie Jayden Daniels as the Washington Commanders’ play-caller suggests he’ll be back in Vegas’ sights, especially if 2025 is about jumpstarting the offense. Yes, his first stint as a head coach wasn’t particularly inspiring, but he’s still only 45.
