The Las Vegas Raiders have officially cut ties with both Josh McDaniels and David Ziegler. The squad announced late on Tuesday night that Ziegler, the general manager, and McDaniels, the head coach, were leaving. 

This choice was made in response to the team’s dismal 3-5 season record. Just one day after, the Detroit Lions had defeated the team 26-14.

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This season, the Raiders are the first team in the league to break ways with their head coach. Antonio Pierce, the team’s current linebackers coach, is expected to take over as the team’s temporary coach, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This week, as the Raiders get ready for their Sunday matchup against the New York Giants, Pierce—who resigned from his role as an assistant at Arizona State during an NCAA investigation—will be in charge. Pierce has nine seasons of NFL experience, five of which were with the Giants, where he was a part of their 2007 championship team.

Who is Josh McDaniels?

Josh McDaniels was the head coach of NFL team Las Vegas Raiders. Nevertheless, after a dismal start to the Raiders season, his tenure ended on October 31, 2023.

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During his tenure as the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots, McDaniels achieved considerable notoriety and helped to form one of the most prosperous NFL dynasties in history. He was a key member of the coaching staff for each of the Patriots’ six championships under Brady and Belichick.

In addition, McDaniels led the Denver Broncos as head coach from 2009 to 2010 before joining the St. Louis Rams as offensive coordinator in 2011. Despite his appointment as the Raiders’ head coach in 2022, he didn’t spend much time there.

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Even after leaving the team recently, McDaniels is still regarded as one of the NFL’s most intelligent offensive brains. His creative play-calling and talent for developing quarterbacks have earned him praise.