Falcons interview former Raiders coach Antonio Pierce for head coaching job

Antonio Pierce speaks at a press conference in front of a black Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce speaks during a news conference after an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

The Falcons interviewed former Raiders coach Antonio Pierce for their head coach opening, the team announced Friday.

Pierce joins a list of candidates that includes former head coaches Mike McDaniel and Kevin Stefanski, as well as current defensive coordinators Anthony Weaver (Miami), Aden Durde (Seattle), Jeff Hafley (Green Bay) and Jesse Minter (Chargers). The Falcons also interviewed Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.

Pierce stepped into a studio analyst role at CBS following a three-year stint with the Raiders. He first joined Las Vegas as a linebackers coach during the 2022-2023 season and served as the interim coach when Josh McDaniels was fired in November 2023. After leading the team to a 5-4 record, Pierce was promoted to full time in 2024.