The Las Vegas Raiders officially removed the interim tag from Antonio Pierce on Friday, cementing his position as the full-time head coach.

This decision came after Pierce assumed the role of interim head coach during the 2023 season and demonstrated remarkable leadership.

The announcement of Pierce’s permanent appointment has stirred excitement for star pass rusher Maxx Crosby, who has been a vocal advocate for Pierce.

Crosby’s support for Pierce was so strong that, had the Raiders not chosen him, Crosby was contemplating requesting a trade, underlining the close bond between the two.

With Pierce now confirmed as the head coach, fans can rest assured that Crosby won’t be seeking a trade.

Pierce’s impressive interim record of 5-4, which kept the Raiders in playoff contention until the final weeks of the season, speaks to his coaching abilities. Notably, one of his victories was against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, marked by an exceptional defensive performance by his team.

Looking ahead, Antonio Pierce will focus on assembling his coaching staff for the upcoming season, while Maxx Crosby continues his rigorous offseason training regimen. The Raiders are poised for an exciting future under the leadership of their newly appointed head coach.

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