What Went Wrong? A Series of Missteps

One of the most glaring issues was the oversized coaching staff that Pierce inherited, comprising 32 members—one of the largest in the league. While it may seem like more options equate to a better outcome, the evidence suggested otherwise. Following the departure of Josh McDaniels, Pierce tried to build a staff that retained familiar faces like defensive coordinator Patrick Graham while also seeking new blood. Unfortunately for him, the highly regarded Kliff Kingsbury opted for the Washington Commanders, further complicating an already precarious situation.

In a gamble to bolster their offense, Pierce picked Luke Getsy to serve as the offensive coordinator—a move met with skepticism from fans, especially after he had been fired by the Chicago Bears. Pierce's choice backfired dramatically, as the team's offense struggled severely under Getsy's leadership, culminating in his dismissal mid-season.

Quarterback Mayhem

There’s a strong argument to be made for Pierce’s supporters regarding the disastrous quarterback situation he faced. Despite his insistence on not wanting a “Band-Aid” solution, Telesco brought in Gardner Minshew—a decision that backfired spectacularly as Minshew experienced the worst season of his career, marred by turnovers and injuries.

The opportunity to draft a promising quarterback was squandered when top options were scooped up by other teams. The eventual selection of tight end Brock Bowers offered a glimmer of hope with his record-breaking rookie season, but it did little to alleviate the team's struggles at the quarterback position, which remained unchanged.

Pierce publicly expressed regrets about not taking Aidan O’Connell as the starting quarterback sooner, reflecting doubts about his decision-making process.

The Davante Adams Strain

Compounding the challenges were the ongoing frustrations surrounding star wide receiver Davante Adams, who initially endorsed Pierce but soon grew disillusioned. Adams appeared frustrated by the lack of strong leadership and was vocal about his dissatisfaction with the choice of Minshew at quarterback.

After a disappointing development, Adams eventually requested a trade, leaving Las Vegas to add another layer of disappointment to Pierce’s already troubled tenure. The fact that one of the best receivers in the NFL was unhappy and demanded a trade sent shockwaves through the organization.

Coaching Decisions and Consistency Questions

One of Pierce's major shortcomings was his in-game decision-making. His reluctance to take risks and mismanagement of game situations repeatedly cost the Raiders critical games throughout the season. Pierce's inexperience showed in his conservative approaches, particularly in tight situations where bold calls could have shifted the momentum.

Despite some growth in leadership qualities, he failed to earn lasting respect from his squad, particularly following a series of off-field controversies that partially overshadowed his time in charge. An embarrassing NCAA penalty from his previous coaching role at Arizona State further marred his reputation, making it easier for Davis to sever ties.

Moving Forward

With Pierce’s record standing at 9-17 over 26 games, Davis appeared ready to hit the reset button once again. The franchise now faces substantial decisions ahead, particularly concerning the head coach and a new starting quarterback. Since Derek Carr’s departure, the team has rotated through six quarterbacks; none have delivered comparable performance.

The message is clear: the next head coach must be paired with a competent quarterback to revitalize this franchise into a contender. And as Pierce himself stated, finding the right fit is a glaring need for the organization moving forward.

Will the Raiders learn from their past mistakes, or will they continue to spiral into mediocrity? Only time will tell if the next chapter will finally usher in the much-needed revival for this storied franchise.