Career Timeline of Antonio Pierce: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Antonio Pierce built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Antonio Pierce is a former NFL linebacker and current football coach. He most recently served as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023 and 2024. His career highlights involve transitioning from a player to a coaching role within the NFL.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2001: Went Undrafted in NFL Draft

In 2001, Antonio Pierce was not taken in the NFL draft after his senior year because NFL scouts considered him too undersized to play linebacker in the NFL.

2001: Signed by the Washington Redskins

In 2001, Antonio Pierce was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Washington Redskins. He played in all 16 games as a rookie, with eight starts.

2002: Played for the Washington Redskins

In 2002, Antonio Pierce played sporadically for the Washington Redskins, recording only 18 tackles.

2003: Continued Playing for the Washington Redskins

In 2003, Antonio Pierce continued to play sporadically for the Washington Redskins, recording only 15 tackles.

2004: Breakthrough Season with the Redskins

In the 2004 season, Antonio Pierce played a full season for the first time with the Washington Redskins, logging a career-high 114 tackles. He also had one forced fumble, one sack, and two interceptions.

March 3, 2005: Signed by the New York Giants

On March 3, 2005, Antonio Pierce signed with the New York Giants to start at middle linebacker.

2006: Giants Academy Spokesperson and Read Across America Involvement

In 2006, Antonio Pierce became the spokesperson for Giants Academy and was also involved in the "Read Across America" program.

2006: Career-High Tackles and Pro Bowl Alternate

In 2006, Antonio Pierce recorded a career-high 138 tackles and was named as a first alternate for the Pro Bowl. He was invited to play in Hawaii after Brian Urlacher withdrew from the Pro Bowl.

2007: Key Figure in Giants' Super Bowl Run

During the 2007 season, Antonio Pierce played a central role in the New York Giants' path to winning their third Super Bowl title. He made a key tackle in the NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers.

2007: "United Way Man of the Year" Award

In 2007, Antonio Pierce received the "United Way Man of the Year" award and was honored by the Catholic Diocese for his support of the community.

2007: Won Super Bowl with New York Giants

In the 2007 season, Antonio Pierce won a Super Bowl playing with the New York Giants.

May 7, 2008: Communications Intern on The Howard Stern Show

On May 7, 2008, Antonio Pierce served as a communications intern on The Howard Stern Show and expressed interest in a broadcasting career.

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February 11, 2010: Released by the Giants

On February 11, 2010, Antonio Pierce was released by the New York Giants.

July 8, 2010: Announced Retirement and ESPN Analyst Career

On July 8, 2010, Antonio Pierce announced his retirement from football and stated that he would begin his career as an NFL analyst for ESPN.

February 7, 2014: Named Head Coach at Long Beach Polytechnic High School

On February 7, 2014, Antonio Pierce was named the head coach at Long Beach Polytechnic High School.

2014: Began Coaching Career

In 2014, Antonio Pierce began his coaching career as the head coach at Long Beach Polytechnic High School.

December 21, 2017: Resigned as Head Coach, Named Linebackers Coach

On December 21, 2017, Antonio Pierce resigned as head coach at Long Beach Polytechnic High School and was named linebackers coach at Arizona State University.

2018: Assistant Coach at Arizona State University

In 2018, Antonio Pierce served as an assistant coach at Arizona State University.

2020: Co-Defensive Coordinator at ASU

In 2020, Antonio Pierce shared the role of co-defensive coordinator alongside Marvin Lewis at Arizona State University.

2020: Raiders First Win Over Chiefs Since 2020

On Christmas Day, Antonio Pierce coached the Raiders to their first win against the Chiefs since 2020.

January 20, 2021: Elevated to Sole Defensive Coordinator at ASU

On January 20, 2021, Antonio Pierce was elevated to be the sole defensive coordinator at Arizona State University.

2021: Continued as Assistant Coach at ASU

In 2021, Antonio Pierce continued serving as an assistant coach at Arizona State University.

2022: Hired by Las Vegas Raiders

In 2022, Antonio Pierce was hired by the Las Vegas Raiders as their linebackers coach under head coach Josh McDaniels.

October 31, 2023: Named Interim Head Coach of the Raiders

On October 31, 2023, Antonio Pierce was named the interim head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders following the firing of Josh McDaniels.

November 5, 2023: Head Coaching Debut

On November 5, 2023, Antonio Pierce made his head coaching debut against the New York Giants, with the Raiders winning 30-6.

December 14, 2023: Raiders Scored Most Points in Franchise History

On December 14, 2023, the Raiders defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 63–21, scoring the most points in franchise history.

2023: Named Head Coach of the Las Vegas Raiders

In 2023, Antonio Pierce served as the head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL).

January 19, 2024: Named Raiders Head Coach

On January 19, 2024, the Raiders officially named Antonio Pierce the 23rd head coach in franchise history.

2024: Continued as Head Coach of the Las Vegas Raiders

In 2024, Antonio Pierce continued to serve as the head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL).

January 7, 2025: Fired by the Raiders

On January 7, 2025, Antonio Pierce was fired by the Raiders, after finishing 4–13 in 2024.

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