Falcons interview Antonio Pierce for coaching vacancy

Former Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce on Friday became the ninth candidate to interview for the Atlanta Falcons' head coaching vacancy.

Currently an NFL studio analyst for CBS, Pierce joined the Raiders' staff in 2022 as linebackers coach, then served as interim head coach in 2023 before becoming head coach in 2024. He went 9-17 at the helm and was fired after a 4-13 campaign in 2024.

Pierce, 47, was on the Arizona State coaching staff from 2018-21 in various roles following a four-year stint (2014-17) as head coach of Long Beach (Calif.) Poly High School.

During his nine-year NFL career as a linebacker with Washington (2001-04) and the New York Giants (2005-09), Pierce won Super Bowl XLII with the Giants.

Along with Pierce, the Falcons have also interviewed Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (reportedly hired to coach the New York Giants), former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, as well as Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and defensive coordinator Aden Durde.