Las Vegas Raiders Fire Coach Josh McDaniels And GM Dave Ziegler

Photo: Instagram/Josh McDaniels

In a stunning move, the Las Vegas Raiders have announced the firing of head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler.

Owner Mark Davis made the announcement on Tuesday night, citing the need for the team to move forward. He expressed his gratitude for their hard work and wished them the best. When asked about the reasons for the firings, Davis declined to comment at this time.

Antonio Pierce, the linebackers coach, has been named as the interim head coach, while Champ Kelly, the current assistant general manager, will serve as interim GM. The organization has stated its commitment to conducting a comprehensive search for a new head coach and general manager once the season is complete.

Photo: Instagram/Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler

It remains unclear who will take on offensive playcalling duties, which were previously handled by McDaniels. Attempts to reach McDaniels and Ziegler for comments have gone unanswered.

This decision comes on the heels of the Raiders' 26-14 loss to the Detroit Lions on "Monday Night Football," marking their second consecutive defeat, with the team's offense struggling. The Raiders' record now stands at 3-5.

McDaniels and Ziegler were hired in January 2022, inheriting a team that had a surprising playoff run in the 2021 season. Davis had high hopes for them to lead the team to the next level, but the Raiders went 9-16 under their leadership without a playoff appearance.

McDaniels had previously been a head coach with the Denver Broncos, where he had a mixed record, going 11-17 from 2009-2010. Despite his pedigree as an offensive coordinator with the New England Patriots, known for his success, the Raiders failed to replicate that offensive prowess.

The Raiders experienced several embarrassing defeats under McDaniels and Ziegler, including significant collapses and being shut out. This season, they moved on from longtime starting quarterback Derek Carr, opting for Jimmy Garoppolo, who has struggled with injuries and interceptions.

The Raiders' offense has underperformed this season, ranking near the bottom in various statistical categories. Star players like Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs have not been utilized to their potential, and the team's struggles culminated in the decision to relieve McDaniels and Ziegler of their duties.

Antonio Pierce becomes the eighth different coach, either interim or regular, for the Raiders since Mark Davis took control of the team in 2011. He will make his NFL head-coaching debut against the New York Giants on Sunday, bringing a Super Bowl-winning player's perspective to his new role.

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Source: ESPN

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