Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis has broken his silence on his firing of head coach Josh McDaniel.
The Raiders started the season with a new quarterback after benching and then releasing Derek Carr, but it’s a decision McDaniels has lived to regret as he’s lasted just eight games in 2023, with five of them coming in the form of losses.
The team’s best player, wide receiver Davante Adams, has cut a frustrated figure throughout the campaign, bemoaning a lack of touches while expressing disenchantment with the offense in general. Running back Josh Jacobs has also been vocal about his dissatisfaction.
Davis apparently lost his patience with his general manager and head coach after Monday’s loss to the Detroit Lions.
Speaking to ESPN in the aftermath, he insisted he wanted things to work out with both the GM and HC but realized it was time to make a change.
“Unfortunately, I had great hopes for Josh and Dave,” he remarked. “Just seemed we were going in the wrong direction. So, with the trade deadline, I just felt it was time to make a change, time to make a move.”
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Antonio Pierce has been tasked with coaching the team for the remaining nine games. The linebackers coach made an impassioned opening statement when he faced reporters on Wednesday.
“Seemed like a fresh approach. Seemed like the adjustment we need at this time. I was impressed,” Davis said.
Davis said he is looking for the new custodian to “lead, not necessarily coach. To delegate to the coordinators and other position coaches. Be somebody they could follow. I felt good about it. I felt good about him.”
Pierce will be on display when the Raiders play the New York Giants this coming Sunday.
