7 top Raiders coaching candidates to replace Antonio Pierce, from Brian Flores to Deion Sanders

The Las Vegas Raiders hired Antonio Pierce as their full-time head coach in 2024 after he went 5-4 in the interim to end last season. But with the Raiders plunging to 2-11 in 13 games this season, his future to remain at the position is now in serious doubt.

As the Raiders ponder the decision on whether to give Pierce at least one more year, there are plenty of strong candidates — even with Bill Belcihick opting to take a college job at North Carolina — to help make that call. Here’s who majority owner Mark Davis and part owner Tom Brady should consider hiring:

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Raiders top coaching candidates for 2025

Brian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinator (age: 43)

Flores needs his second shot after stepping into the mess in Miami. He is a strong coordinator of the year candidate with how he leads the ideal offensive group in Minnesota. His Patriots ties to Brady and Belichick don’t hurt.

Mike Vrabel, former Titans head coach (age: 49)

Vrabel would be another former Brady colleague and Belichick surrogate to consider who doesn’t have the same losing streak as Pierce’s predecessor, Brady’s longtime Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. He got the Titans to overcome and compete well in a top-heavy AFC, and he can help the organization get right.

Liam Coen, Buccaneers offensive coordinator (age: 39)

Coen’s work with Baker Mayfield this season plus history working for Sean McVay have made him a more appealing candidate in recent weeks. The Raiders definitely have him on the radar as the most coveted youthful focal point for an offensive-minded coach.

Kellen Moore, Eagles offensive coordinator (age: 36)

Moore falls into the same category as Coen after this sound work of making Eagles more balanced but still pretty explosive. Moore has gotten more buzz lately that he’s ready to elevate to youthful head coach.

Ben Johnson, Lions offensive coordinator (age: 38)

Johnson may have better options, including the Bears and Jets. It would be difficult for him to take a job that doesn’t have an established quarterback scheme.

Kliff Kingsbury, Commanders offensive coordinator (age: 45)

Kingsbury almost joined the Raiders staff under Pierce before going to Washington and landing Jayden McDaniels. He has a peer quarterback history with Tom Brady to the point where the former Cardinals coach may be lured back to the desert to work with another dynamic rookie QB.

Deion Sanders, Colorado head coach (age: 57)

Sanders is trying to work some NFL mojo with Pierce on his top two prospects, cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter and son/quarterback Shedeur Sanders. But is he also trying to make the jump with one or both of them on his team in the NFL? No one will be shocked if Brady and Davis make Sanders an offer he can’t refuse.