Pro Bowler AJ Cole lends support, Antonio Pierce makes a last-ditch argument for the HC position, and Michigan wins the National
Given his success with the Michigan Wolverines and his former NFL experience with the San Francisco 49ers, whom he led to three NFC championship games and one Super Bowl, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh may be the most sought-after candidate in the hiring market for NFL players. The rumors of a potential NFL comeback have only grown after he hired agent Don Yee.
Yee also represents Tom Brady, who has applied to be a part owner of the Raiders and is a co-owner of Davis’s WNBA team, the Las Vegas Aces, which has won two championships.
Davis has a history of attempting to make a big-name hire, and Harbaugh would definitely fit the bill. However, Pierce has given the owner a lot to consider after reviving the locker room.
Tackle Jermaine Eluemunor stated, “I can honestly tell you that I do not know where I would be right now mentally and physically if AP had not taken over, and that is no shot at Josh and what he was doing.” But it was not moving in the right direction for me. AP taking charge, giving everyone that confidence, and bringing out the best in everyone in this locker room.
The coaching search would essentially be over if the players could vote, but Davis will ultimately decide whether Pierce stays.
“Until I stop being a Raider, I am still a Raider, right?” stated Pierce. “But we are good because I still have it in my blood.”
THE GM SEARCH BEGINS
Apart from his decision regarding the coaching position, Davis also needs to make one regarding general manager. With Pierce’s promotion, Champ Kelly was named general manager in interim.
Raiders have asked to speak with you for at least four times.
Speaking under anonymity due to the team’s lack of announcement, a person with knowledge of the matter stated that one is with 49ers assistant general manager Adam Peters. The Indianapolis Colts’ Ed Dodds, the Cincinnati Bengals’ Trey Brown, and the Buffalo Bills’ Terrance Gray are the other early contenders, per NFL Network.
Going on to the general manager position first suggests that Davis wants to fill it so that the individual can choose the coach.
The Carolina Panthers declared that they, along with seven other executives from different teams, have asked to interview Kelly.
Discussing Quarterbacks
The Raiders will pick 13th, which means they will not have as much time to choose from among the top quarterbacks available in what should be a loaded draft class.
Aidan O’Connell, who as a rookie completed 62.1% of his passes for 2,218 yards with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions, could continue to play for Las Vegas. During his final six starts, he completed nine touchdown passes and one interception.
Pierce remarked, “I like how Aidan has conducted himself in this building and on and off the field.”
After Pierce assumed command, O’Connell took Jimmy Garoppolo’s place. It is unclear if Garoppolo will remain in Las Vegas after signing a three-year, $72.75 million contract with the Raiders during the offseason.
I am fairly transparent, said Garoppolo. “There are a lot of things beyond my control. I have experienced similar circumstances in the past, so as a player, you have to be somewhat adaptable. I believe that everything happens for a reason, no matter what. You must take advantage of your circumstances.
Jacob desires to go back.
Josh Jacobs expressed his desire to go back to Las Vegas, “especially with AP as the coach,” but it is unclear if that will actually happen. Following his 2022 NFL rush record-setting season, Jacobs and the Raiders’ application for the franchise tag sparked a contract dispute. After training camp, the two parties decided on a one-year contract.
This season, Jacobs’ output decreased dramatically; from 1,653 yards to 805, he barely made it through the end of the season due to a quadriceps injury. In lieu of Jacobs, Zamir White ran for 397 yards in four starts.
MAINTAINING IT CLEAN
The Raiders had the fewest penalties in the NFL with 75. They were penalty-free in two of their games.
They did that twice in a season, making them the seventh team since 1960 and the first since the 2013 New England Patriots.
Although Pierce acknowledged that the Raiders have a history of being a boundary-pushing team, he said that the team’s status as the best in the league demonstrated their dedication to discipline and attention to detail.
Pierce stated, “I wanted to make sure we hit that goal because it is really important.”
