Breaking News: Antonio Pierce over reacted for announcing his departure just because of…
At Last, Coach Pierce Stops to Smell the Roses
Antonio Pierce had little time to celebrate his achievement after receiving an unexpected promotion. He can now finally enjoy it as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Las Vegas Raiders abruptly dismissed former coach Josh McDaniels following the team’s appalling performance against the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football in the previous season.
Antonio Pierce, the team’s linebackers coach, was named the team’s temporary head coach shortly after by Raiders owner Mark Davis.
Pierce became the head coach of the Raiders after nine games, a much improved defense, and the loud support of the team’s locker room from Davis.
“Yeah, I did probably like I did on October 31st when I got the first phone call,” Pierce said. “I walked outside to our practice field and just looked around. It was quiet. It was dark. Looking at the stars, just kind of looking up there and just saying, ‘Wow, surreal.’ Then, just really taking in the moment.” The official announcement was made after the season ended, rather than in the middle like his first promotion.
“As you can tell, I’m enjoying the moment.”Today is a day to rejoice. The first step is today. You recall my words when I initially stood in front of you. My first day will be my worst day, I declared.
This is my first day, so to speak. I’m going to appreciate and celebrate the fact that today is going to be my best day ever. I anticipate some ups and downs, so I’m going to enjoy myself with it.
There will be days when you want to withdraw into a corner and avoid social interaction. That’s why I stepped outside by myself and stared up into the sky as soon as I got the call from Mark [Davis].
Pierce expresses his gratitude to the athletes in the locker room for their support. He pointed out that the players’ actions on the field and their remarks off it both served as signs of support.
“Yeah, there’s nothing like [having the players’ support],” Pierce said. “The reason the National Football League is the greatest sport in America is because of the players. Most of the time, when the players speak, we listen. When the players play, we watch. They did both this year.
“To have that support, being a former player, to understand what it’s like, and now the way and the day of the age we’re in where your voice matters and you have a lot of platforms to do it. You’ve just got to be careful. You’ve got to be careful. You love the support, but never take it too far.
“But it was humbling. It was a special moment, but it was even more special when you get the phone call from Mr. Davis that you’re the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.”
Pierce now gets the opportunity to finish the job he started in October and help the Raiders organization get going back in the right direction.
