An NFL linebacker for nine seasons with Washington and the New York Giants from 2001 to 2009, Pierce was a hard-nosed player who earned a Pro Bowl bid and a Super Bowl victory.
In his short time with the Raiders, he proved to be the polar opposite of McDaniels, bringing energy, volume and swagger to the club.
Players like Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby have expressed their support for Pierce. It should provide a smoother start for Pierce, but he still has a lot of work to do.
No. 1 will be a decision at quarterback. Before the 2023 season, the Raiders signed Jimmy Garoppolo, who had a history with McDaniels. Garoppolo has a cap hit of $28.5 million in 2024, with $11.25 million guaranteed. Pierce selected rookie Aidan O'Connell as the starter, and while the first-year QB showed promise, he's certainly not an overwhelming favorite to build the offense.
Running back Josh Jacobs, who was sidelined at the end of the season with a quadriceps injury, is also about to become a free agent.
Las Vegas has been to the playoffs just twice in the last 21 seasons and has not won a division title or a playoff game since 2002.
Pierce revitalized the Raiders' fan base and players during his interim stay.
Now he's earned the full-time job and will try to get the franchise back on the winning track of last fall, when the Raiders were winning and winning consistently.