Just-In: Raiders Set to Add Former Cardinals Head Coach, as Offensive Coordinator: What’s next? Antonio Pierce building his defensive staff with more…..

Antonio Pierce has reportedly secured the services of a new offensive coordinator, as per ESPN sources. The Las Vegas Raiders are anticipated to bring on board former Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury to assume the role of their new offensive coordinator.

The Raiders considered several notable candidates for the position. According to NFL Media, the team conducted multiple interviews with current UCLA head coach Chip Kelly but ultimately opted for Kingsbury.

The 44-year-old engaged in discussions with various teams regarding offensive coordinator positions, including the Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Following his termination by the Arizona Cardinals in January of the previous year, Kingsbury worked as an offensive analyst for USC in the recent season.

During his four-year tenure with the Cardinals, he accumulated a record of 28-37-1, securing a playoff berth in 2021 with an 11-6 performance. After a modest 5-10-1 start in his inaugural NFL season, Kingsbury progressively improved the team’s performance over the subsequent two years.

However, the 2022 season marked a downturn for Kingsbury, with the Arizona Cardinals finishing in last place in the NFC West with a 4-13 record. Previously, Kingsbury served as the head coach at Texas Tech and as the offensive coordinator at Texas A&M during the year Johnny Manziel clinched the Heisman Trophy.

Following the mid-season dismissal of Josh McDaniels, Antonio Pierce took charge and promptly revitalized the Raiders’ defense.

Between Weeks 9 and 18, the Raiders boasted the league’s top-ranked defense, allowing an average of only 16 points per game. Meanwhile, on the offensive front, Vegas concluded the season with the sixth-lowest yardage per game (289.5) and ranked 10th lowest in points per game (19.5).

The Raiders face several uncertainties in the upcoming offseason, including the determination of the starting quarterback and the potential re-signing of Josh Jacobs. Nevertheless, the team is reportedly set with Kliff Kingsbury as their new offensive leader.

Antonio Pierce continues to build staff

The Las Vegas Raiders are navigating through their major priorities this offseason and their agreement with Kingsbury on Thursday finalizes the last major box for the organization in terms of pivotal offseason hires.

Kingsbury, of course, represents Pierce’s most vital hire. Most of the change of the Raiders’ coaching staff, as they completely move on from the Josh McDaniels’ staff, will happen on the offensive side of the ball. Interim offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree was not retained and offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo was allowed to take the same job with the New York Giants.

Kingsbury is expected to assist Pierce in building out the rest of the offensive staff in the coming days. Still, some coaches could stay n the offensive side, but expect some change.

There has been additions on defense and there could be more. So far, defensive backs coaches Ricky Manning and Gerard Alexander have been hired. Their exact roles have not been announced. Chris Ash, who helped coach the secondary, reportedly won’t return.

The defense will be led by Patrick Graham, who is returning after not getting a head-coaching job. He interviewed with both the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Chargers before they hired other head coaches.

The Raiders have also hired Marvin Lewis as Pierce’s assistant head coach. Lewis, who was the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals for 16 seasons, worked with Pierce at Arizona State and will provide the young coach valuable guidance.

ESPN reported that Pierce has interviewed former Raiders’ head coach Hue Jackson for a role on the offensive staff. Jackson, like many coaches the Raiders have shown interest in this offseason, has ties to Lewis.

So, while the heavy hiring lifting is done, Pierce has some more business to do before the offseason transitions to the player-addition phase.