Antonio Pierce facts for kids
Pierce with the New York Giants in 2008
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| Position: | Linebacker | ||||||||||||
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| Born: | October 26, 1978 Long Beach, California, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||||||
| Weight: | 238 lb (108 kg) | ||||||||||||
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| High school: | Paramount (Paramount, California) | ||||||||||||
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| Undrafted: | 2001 | ||||||||||||
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| Regular season: | 9–17 (.346) | ||||||||||||
| Career: | 9–17 (.346) (NFL) 31–15 (.674) (high school) |
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Antonio Durran Pierce (born October 26, 1978) is an American football coach and former linebacker. He was most recently the head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024. Before that, he was their linebackers coach from 2022 to 2023.
Pierce played nine seasons as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants in the 2007 season. He played college football for the Arizona Wildcats. He started his NFL career with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent and later joined the Giants. In 2014, Pierce began coaching at Long Beach Polytechnic High School. He then became an assistant coach at Arizona State University from 2018 to 2021.
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Antonio Pierce's Early Life and College Football Journey
Antonio Pierce played high school football at Paramount High School in Paramount, California. As a senior, he was recognized as a top linebacker. He also played as a fullback.
After high school, he played two years of football at Mount San Antonio College. In 1997, he helped his team win the state title. He made a key interception in the championship game. Later, he transferred to the University of Arizona.
At Arizona, he had a strong senior year. He recorded 77 tackles, three sacks, and one interception. He was honored for his performance in the Pac-10 conference. Despite his college success, NFL scouts thought he was too small. Because of this, he was not picked in the 2001 NFL draft.
Antonio Pierce's NFL Playing Career
Playing for the Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins signed Antonio Pierce in 2001. He joined them as an undrafted free agent, meaning he wasn't chosen in the draft. In his first year, he played in all 16 games. He made 52 tackles and had one interception.
For the next two seasons (2002 and 2003), he played less often. However, in 2004, his fourth year, he got a chance to play a full season. He replaced an injured teammate and became a starter. That year, Pierce had a career-high 114 tackles. He also forced a fumble and made two interceptions. One of these was returned 76 yards for a touchdown.
Playing for the New York Giants
The New York Giants signed Pierce on March 3, 2005. He became the starting middle linebacker and a leader for their defense. In 2005, he made 100 tackles and had two interceptions. His season ended early due to a leg injury.
In 2006, Pierce had his best year for tackles, with 138. He was chosen as an alternate for the Pro Bowl. He got to play in the Pro Bowl after another player got injured.
The 2007 season was very special for Pierce and the Giants. He played a big role in their journey to win Super Bowl XLII. In the NFC Championship game, he made a crucial tackle. This play helped the Giants win in overtime. The Giants then went on to win the Super Bowl.
The Giants released Antonio Pierce on February 11, 2010. After this, he announced his retirement from playing football. He also shared that he would start a new career as an NFL analyst for ESPN.
Antonio Pierce's Coaching Career
Coaching High School Football
On February 7, 2014, Antonio Pierce became the head coach at Long Beach Polytechnic High School. This school is known for its strong football program. In his first year, his team had a great record of 11 wins and 2 losses.
However, the team faced challenges in the following years. They missed the playoffs in his second season. This was the first time in 36 years for the program. The team continued to struggle in 2016 and 2017.
Coaching at Arizona State University
On December 21, 2017, Pierce left his high school coaching job. He became the linebackers coach at Arizona State University. After two seasons, he was promoted to co-defensive coordinator. In 2021, he became the sole defensive coordinator.
He resigned from Arizona State before the 2022 season. This happened during an investigation by the NCAA. The NCAA later found that Pierce had a major role in rule violations. As a result, he received an 8-year penalty. This means he cannot coach at an NCAA school until 2032. If a school hires him before then, he would face a year-long suspension.
Coaching the Las Vegas Raiders
In 2022, Pierce joined the Las Vegas Raiders. He was hired as their linebackers coach. This was under head coach Josh McDaniels.
On October 31, 2023, Pierce was named the interim head coach for the Raiders. This happened after Josh McDaniels was fired. Pierce quickly made Aidan O'Connell the starting quarterback. On November 5, 2023, Pierce coached his first game against the New York Giants. The Raiders won this game 30–6.
On December 14, 2023, the Raiders had a historic win. They defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 63–21. This was the most points ever scored by the Raiders in a game. A week later, on Christmas Day, they beat the Kansas City Chiefs. This was their first win against the Chiefs since 2020.
The Raiders did not make the playoffs that year. On January 19, 2024, Antonio Pierce was officially named the 23rd head coach of the Raiders. However, he was fired on January 7, 2025, after the 2024 season. His overall coaching record with the Raiders was 9 wins and 17 losses.
Antonio Pierce's Coaching Record
High School Coaching Record
Antonio Pierce coached at Long Beach Polytechnic High School.
- 2014: 11 wins, 2 losses (1st in conference)
- 2015: 4 wins, 6 losses
- 2016: 7 wins, 4 losses (1st in conference)
- 2017: 9 wins, 3 losses (1st in conference)
Overall high school record: 31 wins, 15 losses.
NFL Coaching Record
Antonio Pierce coached the Las Vegas Raiders.
- 2023 (interim): 5 wins, 4 losses
- 2024: 4 wins, 13 losses
Overall NFL record: 9 wins, 17 losses.
Antonio Pierce's Personal Life and Community Work
Antonio Pierce is married to Jocelyn and has seven children. He lives in Palos Verdes Estates, California. His father, Cleo Burrows, is from Bermuda.
Pierce grew up in Compton, California. This inspired him to help young people in the Long Beach/Compton area. For many years, he has run a free football camp. This camp is for kids who might not have many opportunities.
In 2006, Pierce became a spokesperson for Giants Academy. This program helps inner-city youth succeed in life. He also supports the "Read Across America" program, which encourages reading.
In 2007, Pierce received the "United Way Man of the Year" award. He was also honored by the Catholic Diocese for his community support. In 2008, he was recognized at the ESPY awards along with the Giants team.
Broadcasting Interest
Antonio Pierce has shown interest in broadcasting. In 2008, he interned on The Howard Stern Show. He mentioned that he would like to work in broadcasting after his football career.
See also
- History of the New York Giants (1994–present)
Images for kids
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Antonio Pierce meets with Matthew Butler prior to a 2023 game against the Indianapolis Colts
