The Atlanta Falcons continue to cast a wide net in their head coaching search, and another notable name is entering the mix. Former Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce is set to interview for the job on Friday, adding yet another experienced candidate to what’s already a deep and diverse pool.
Here’s where the Falcons’ coaching search currently stands:
- Anthony Weaver, Dolphins defensive coordinator - Interviewed
- Klint Kubiak, Seahawks offensive coordinator - Interviewed
- Kevin Stefanski, former Browns head coach - Interviewed
- Vance Joseph, Broncos defensive coordinator - Interview requested
- Robert Saleh, 49ers defensive coordinator - Interview requested
- Aden Durde, Seahawks defensive coordinator - Interviewed
- Ejiro Evero, Panthers defensive coordinator - Interviewed
- Jeff Hafley, Packers defensive coordinator - Interviewed
- Mike McDaniel, former Dolphins head coach - Interviewed
- John Harbaugh, former Ravens head coach - Interviewed
- Antonio Pierce, former Raiders head coach - Interview scheduled
- Jesse Minter, Chargers defensive coordinator - Interviewed
Pierce brings a unique blend of on-field experience and coaching grit to the table. At 47, he’s already worn a lot of hats in football.
He played nine seasons in the NFL as a linebacker, splitting time between Washington and the New York Giants, where he was a key piece of their 2007 Super Bowl-winning defense. That firsthand knowledge of what it takes to lead and win at the highest level has shaped his coaching style-tough, no-nonsense, and deeply rooted in accountability.
After retiring in 2010, Pierce didn’t take the fast track to the NFL coaching ranks. He started at the grassroots level, coaching at Long Beach Poly High School in 2014.
From there, he climbed the collegiate ladder, joining Herm Edwards’ staff at Arizona State in 2017. He wore multiple hats there-linebackers coach, defensive coordinator, associate head coach, and recruiting coordinator-before resigning amid an NCAA investigation into recruiting violations.
Pierce made the jump to the NFL in 2022 as the Raiders’ linebackers coach. When Las Vegas parted ways with Josh McDaniels during the 2023 season, Pierce stepped in as interim head coach and immediately brought a jolt of energy and toughness to the locker room.
He led the Raiders to a 5-4 finish down the stretch, earning the respect of players and fans alike. That effort was enough to earn him the full-time job heading into 2024, but his first full season didn’t go as planned-the Raiders finished 4-13, and Pierce was let go after just one year at the helm.
Still, there’s something about Pierce that resonates with players. He’s a former linebacker who leads like one-direct, passionate, and unafraid to challenge his team. His ability to galvanize a locker room midseason in 2023 showed he can command respect and get results, even in difficult circumstances.
The Falcons are clearly doing their homework, interviewing a mix of defensive minds, offensive architects, and former head coaches. Pierce adds another layer to that search: a leader who’s walked the walk as a player and fought his way up the coaching ladder. Whether Atlanta sees him as the right fit remains to be seen, but his inclusion in the process speaks to the Falcons' intent to explore every option.
We’ll continue tracking developments in Atlanta’s coaching search as more interviews are conducted and decisions loom.