Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said the decision to fire offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, quarterbacks coach Rich Scangarello and offensive line coach James Cregg was “100 percent” his decision.
The Raiders rank 28th in total yards and 25th in points scored.
“Just performance results and production. It wasn’t heading in the direction I wanted it to go,” Pierce told reporters via the Raiders website. I’ll use the next 24 to 48 hours to sit down with the staff and figure out who will call the offense going forward.”
We have relieved Luke Getsy, James Cregg, and Rich Scangarello of their duties with the Las Vegas Raiders.
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) November 4, 2024
The change comes at an opportune time, given the team is on a bye this week. It will give Piece plenty of time to decide who will call the plays when the Raiders take the field against the Miami Dolphins on Nov. 17.
As for what he’s looking for in his next offensive play-caller, Pierce said he wants it to match what he envisions the offense to look disciplined and play with physicality. He also wants the offense to maximize the personnel’s strengths.
“If it’s throwing the ball 60 times, fine. If it’s running 60 times, fine,” Pierce said. “We got to find a balance and identity on offense going forward.”
The Raiders have come out strong in their last five games, scoring opening drive touchdowns on the previous two. The issue has been what happens afterward where the team has been outscored by opponents 201-109 in the second and third quarters.
“Last five games, we came out the gate like bulls. We’re coming out scoring. Going down the field,” Pierce said. “Then we hit a brick wall.”
Turning the ball over has also been an issue for the Raiders. They have 14 turnovers in the last five, including three against the Cincinnati Bengals.
“I don’t care what team you are, who have at quarterback, who’s your head coach, who’s your OC,” Pierce said. “You’re not going to win games when you turn over the ball at the rate we’ve been turning over.”
Pierce hasn’t decided on who will start the game against the Dolphins. He can choose between Gardner Minshew and Desmond Ridder. Pierce will use the bye week to evaluate who will start.
Despite five straight losses, Pierce remains confident that the Raiders can turn it around but admits it’s hard when the team loses.
“I’m confident in my ability to lead this team to get them going,” Pierce said. “I think we fight. Our effort is there. Our execution is poor at times.”
Paul Delos Santos is the Las Vegas sports insider for Dice City Sports. Follow him on X at @PaulDelos_.
