Updated Jan. 16, 2026, 2:12 p.m. ET
The Atlanta Falcons completed an interview with former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce for their head coaching vacancy on Friday afternoon, the team announced. Pierce is the ninth official candidate to interview with the Falcons, and the third in the last 24 hours.
Prior to his coaching career, Piece played linebacker in the NFL for nine seasons. He made a Pro Bowl with the New York Giants in 2006 and won a Super Bowl with the team in 2007.
After retiring in 2010, Pierce spent four years as a high school football coach. From there, he moved on to Arizona State where he served multiple roles as associate head coach, defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator for four seasons.
In 2022, Pierce joined Josh McDaniels’ staff with the Raiders as a linebackers coach. He then took over as interim head coach when the Raiders fired McDaniels midway through the 2023 season, leading the team to a 5-4 record. Las Vegas then hired Pierce as its full-time head coach in 2024 but fired him after a 4-13 season.
Check out the full list of Falcons coaching interviews below.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Falcons completed head coach interviews | As of Jan. 16 (2:05 p.m. ET)Antonio Pierce (former Raiders HC)Jesse Minter (Chargers DC)Jeff Hafley (Packers DC)Mike McDaniel (former Dolphins HC)John Harbaugh (former Ravens HC)Kevin Stefanski (former Browns HC)Klint Kubiak (Seahawks OC)Anthony Weaver (Dolphins DC)Aden Durde (Seahawks DC)
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