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The Las Vegas Raiders finally made a move that fans have been waiting for.
Late Tuesday night on the West Coast and in the early hours of the morning on the East, the Raiders announced that head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager David Ziegler have been fired.
Raiders owner Mark Davis, who is fresh off of celebrating a WNBA championship for his Las Vegas Aces, announced the news in a statement.
“After much thought about what the Raiders need to move forward, I have decided to part ways with Josh and Dave,” Davis’ statement read. “I want to thank them both for their hard work and wish them and their families nothing but the best.”
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) November 1, 2023
Ziegler, who took over as general manager in 2022 after Mike Mayock was fired after three seasons, joined the Raiders in 2022. McDaniels, meanwhile, was hired last season and went 6-11. Through eight games this year, McDaniels is 3-5 and lost on the national stage to cap off Week 8 on Monday Night Football against the Detroit Lions.
McDaniels has a head coaching record of 20-32.
Former New York Giants star linebacker Antonio Pierce, the team’s current linebacker coach, will serve as the Raiders’ interim head coach.
It’s a new day in Las Vegas.
Raiders’ head coach: Antonio Pierce.
Raiders’ general manager: Champ Kelly.
Pierce will make his NFL head coaching debut on Sunday vs. his former New York Giants team. pic.twitter.com/tentuxIWoq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 1, 2023
Assistant general manager Champ Kelly will serve as the team’s interim GM.
“The Las Vegas Raiders have named Champ Kelly as the Interim General Manager,” the Raiders announced in a statement. “Kelly is in his second season as Assistant General Manager with the Raiders. Prior to joining the Raiders, Kelly spent seven seasons in personnel and scouting with the Chicago Bears and eight seasons with the Denver Broncos.
“In his NFL career, his teams have won five division titles, one conference championship, appeared in Super Bowl XLVIII, and to date, players have earned a combined 58 Pro Bowl nominations and six Hall of Fame enshrinements.”
The Raiders will take the field for their first game under the interim regime on Sunday, November 5 against their interim head coach Antonio Pierce’s former team.
Kickoff between the New York Giants and Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Week 9 is set for 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX.
