Nov. 1 (UPI) — After a 3-5 season start, the Las Vegas Raiders fired coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler, the team said.
The Raiders announced the moves Tuesday night. They named Antonio Pierce their interim coach. Pierce previously served as Raiders linebackers coach.
“After much thought about what the Raiders need to move forward, I have decided to part ways with Josh and Dave,” Raiders owner Mark Davis said in a news release.
The Raiders hired McDaniels in 2022. He led the team to a 6-11 record in his first season. The Raiders won their 2023 season opener against the Denver Broncos. They then lost their next three games to the Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers.
Head coach Josh McDaniels of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on before a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on January 01, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The Raiders beat the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots in Week 5 and Week 6, respectively. They lost their last two meetings in Week 7 and Week 8 to the Chicago Bears and then the Detroit Lions.
McDaniels also was fired after posting an 11-17 record in two seasons as coach of the Broncos in 2009 and 2010. He spent the majority of his NFL career as offensive coordinator of the Patriots.
Ziegler also joined the Raiders in 2022, replacing former general manager Mike Mayock. He previously worked in player personnel and as a scout for the Patriots and Broncos.
The Raiders will host the New York Giants at 4:25 p.m. EST Sunday in Las Vegas.