Maxx Crosby Reacts to Antonio Pierce’s Rumored Hire as Raiders HC: ‘Let’s Work’

Unsurprisingly, Las Vegas Raiders star edge-rusher Maxx Crosby is fired up about the reported hire of Antonio Pierce as the Silver and Black’s next head coach.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Pierce, who went 5-4 as the Raiders’ interim head coach following the firing of Josh McDaniels, is set to stay aboard.

Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network both reported that Crosby, a three-time Pro Bowler who just amassed a career-high 14.5 sacks, would have explored a trade if Pierce did not return.

That isn’t an issue now as Pierce is set to return. He clearly galvanized a disappointing team that struggled through the first half of the season, to the point where it registered some huge wins down the stretch, including a 63-21 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers and a 20-14 upset win over the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. His impact simply can’t be understated.

There’s still uncertainty about the team’s general manager role. Champ Kelly took over as interim GM after Dave Ziegler was let go alongside McDaniels. The team has not hired a full-time GM as of yet. However, one would have to assume he’s the favorite in the clubhouse.

Ultimately, the Raiders looked like a brand-new team in the back half of the year under Pierce, and now the Silver and Black will go into 2024 with a huge wave of momentum.