Davante Adams wants Antonio Pierce to be named Raiders’ full time coach

Raiders interim head coach Antonio Pierce was highly praised on Wednesday by Raiders' star receiver Davante Adams, suggesting that he would like to see Pierce become the permanent head coach. Pierce, a 45-year-old former Giants linebacker, has been leading the team following Josh McDaniels' dismissal and has a 4-4 record in his current role. Pierce's stint has seen a positive shift in Raiders' culture according to Adams.

Adams, 31, expressing his preference for Pierce, said, "He's the one I wanted and that's my vote, and I've not been silent about it." He added that the entire lockerroom shared this feeling. Adams credited Pierce with coming in and performing impressively. He added that Pierce's attitude and what he represents are in-sync with what being a Raider stands for. He said Pierce's style of coaching has him rooting for him.

Adams' statement might indicate a change of sentiments from the player whose future as a Raider was at one point of time uncertain with the Jets expressing interest in him during this season’s trade deadline.

This nod of approval for Pierce puts Raiders owner Mark Davis in a position to make a crucial decision in the offseason about the permanent coaching job. Earlier in December, Davis reportedly had some remorse for not offering the same job full-time to another interim coach, Rich Bisaccia, in 2021.

Last month, while talking about the job, Pierce asked the franchise to judge him by his on-field performance and the growth within the team.

Before transitioning into coaching, Pierce had a successful nine-year run as a player in the league and won Super Bowl XLII with the Giants.