Falcons interview former Raiders coach Antonio Pierce for head coaching job

The Falcons interviewed former Raiders coach Antonio Pierce for their head coach opening, the team announced Friday.

Pierce joins a list of candidates that includes former head coaches Mike McDaniel and Kevin Stefanski, as well as current defensive coordinators Anthony Weaver (Miami), Aden Durde (Seattle), Jeff Hafley (Green Bay) and Jesse Minter (Chargers). The Falcons also interviewed Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.

Pierce stepped into a studio analyst role at CBS following a three-year stint with the Raiders. He first joined Las Vegas as a linebackers coach during the 2022-2023 season and served as the interim coach when Josh McDaniels was fired in November 2023. After leading the team to a 5-4 record, Pierce was promoted to full time in 2024.

The Raiders parted ways with Pierce after a 4-13 season in 2024.

Pierce was the Falcons' fourth interview announced this week. On Monday, the franchise announced interviews with McDaniel and John Harbaugh. Hafley and Minter's interviews were announced on Thursday.

The Falcons fired coach Raheem Morris hours after the team's Week 18 win against the Saints. Morris was coach for two years and led Atlanta to an 8-9 record in 2025. General manager Terry Fontenot was also let go.

Falcons' all-time leading passer and recently appointed president of football, Matt Ryan, is helping with the search.