The Las Vegas Raiders had a thrilling comeback season in 2023 after ditching their disastrous head coach Josh McDaniels for the dynamic interim head coach Antonio Pierce, who was rightfully given the full-time gig earlier this offseason.
The Raiders, struggling with a 3-5 record, made a bold move by firing McDaniels and promoting Pierce. This change sparked immediate improvement on both sides of the ball, resulting in a 5-4 finish and a tantalizingly close playoff chase, all the more impressive with a rookie quarterback at the helm.
As we look toward 2024, the Raiders are bringing back much of the same squad, adding a few upgrades with high hopes that Pierce can continue to steer Las Vegas toward playoff glory.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon recently tagged Pierce as a dark-horse candidate for NFL Coach of the Year, albeit surprisingly low at 12th in betting odds. Pierce, who injected new life into the Raiders last season, surely deserves a higher spot given his proven ability to surpass expectations.
Gagnon highlights that the Raiders have the talent to make significant strides in 2024. For Pierce to clinch the Coach of the Year title, the team needs to make a big leap. The Raiders boast a strong defense and skilled offensive players, making them formidable contenders. However, their success ultimately hinges on quarterback performance.
Gardner Minshew, while a solid starter, isn’t known for game-changing prowess. If he’s under center, the Raiders might not make the leap needed to secure Pierce the award. On the other hand, rookie sensation Aidan O’Connell remains an enigma. With limited playtime, his potential is both promising and uncertain. If O’Connell takes a significant step forward in his second year, he could elevate the team to new heights, putting Las Vegas in a prime position to exceed expectations.
Conversely, if O’Connell performs on par with Minshew or worse, the Raiders could end up with a similar record to last season, falling short of the high bar set for Coach of the Year honors. Either way, the Raiders’ journey in 2024 will be a fascinating one to watch.
