Falcons Interviewing Former Raiders HC Antonio Pierce Later This Week

According to Mike Garafolo, the Falcons plan to conduct an in-person interview with former Raiders HC Antonio Pierce later this week. 

Once that interview takes place, it’s worth noting the Falcons will have satisfied the Rooney Rule which requires teams conduct two in-person interviews with minority candidates before hiring a head coach, GM or coordinator. Former Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel is a minority candidate. 

Here’s where Atlanta’s search stands so far: 

• Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver (Interviewed)
• Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak (Interviewed)
• Former Browns HC Kevin Stefanski (Interviewed)
• Broncos DC Vance Joseph (Requested)
• 49ers DC Robert Saleh (Requested)
• Seahawks DC Aden Durde (Interviewed)
• Panthers DC Ejiro Evero (Interviewed)
• Packers DC Jeff Hafley (Requested)
• Former Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel (Interviewed)
• Former Ravens HC John Harbaugh (Interviewed)
• Former Raiders HC Antonio Pierce (Scheduled)

Pierce, 47, played nine seasons in the NFL for Washington and the Giants. After retiring in 2010, Pierce took his first coaching job at Long Beach Poly High School in 2014.

Pierce was eventually hired as the LB coach at Arizona State under Herm Edwards in 2017. He worked his way up to associate head coach/defensive coordinator/recruiting coordinator but resigned amidst an investigation for recruiting violations. 

He landed with the Raiders as their LB coach in 2022 and was promoted to interim head coach after Las Vegas fired Josh McDaniels. Pierce was retained in the full-time role after the season, but was fired after his first full year in 2024. 

As the interim coach, Pierce compiled a record of 5-4 in 2023. As the full-time coach, his record was 4-13. 

We’ll have more on the Falcons’ coaching search as the news is available.