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Topics: American Football, NFL, Fan Reactions
Kristian Walsh
Three NFL teams are still yet to declare their head coach interviewing intentions - with the Las Vegas Raiders now entering day 70 of their search.
And while both the Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans only announced the departures of their head coaches - Arthur Smith and Mike Vrabel respectively - this week, the Raiders fired Josh McDaniels on November 1.
It is a process that is now becoming even more intriguing with reports current interim coach Antonio Pierce could be set to move to the New York Giants as defensive coordinator being challenged by NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo.
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The appointment of Pierce as interim, who finished the season with a personal winning record of 5-4 as the Raiders went 8-9 on the year, has given franchise owner Mark Davis a dilemma this off-season.
While the Carolina Panthers have requested to interview 10 candidates so far, backed up with similar activity from the Los Angeles Chargers (eight) and Washington Commanders (six), meaning 24 interview requests so far from that trio, the Raiders remain tight-lipped on their hiring intentions.
This is despite Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh being linked with the role, although he dropped a hint he would remain with the newly-crowned College Football National champions following their 34-13 win over Washington on Monday.
Michigan’s triumph hasn’t stopped speculation head coach Jim Harbaugh will be working in the NFL next season.
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But fans think the former San Francisco 49ers man has hinted at extended his stay with the Wolverines after their 34-13 win over Washington on Monday.
“We usually start on Valentine’s Day, February 14, because we love football,” he said about when practice would resume for the season ahead. “But this year we’re going to move it back about a month, that’ll be good too, we have some nice weather in the spring in Ann Arbor.”
Ben Johnson (Lions OC), Dan Quinn (Cowboys DC) and Raheem Morris (Rams DC) have all appeared on the interview list of the aforementioned teams, with speculation mounting over the Raiders’ next move following over two months without a full-time head coach.
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There is belief Pierce will be given the opportunity to take the reins officially, although he had been linked with the New York Giants’ vacant defensive coordinator position, with Sports Illustrated suggesting interest from the NFC East outfit.
The Raiders’ inactivity has been criticised by some NFL fans.
One tweeted: “The fact that Mark is interviewing nobody for Head Coach and has no interviews lined up just proves Al Davis’s point that his Son Mark has no clue when it come to football just embarrassing.”
In response to the Giants’ reported interest, another added: “Or just stay the head coach of the Raiders? He didn’t earn it?”
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The Raiders are also in the process of finding their next General Manager after the departure of Dave Ziegler, another casualty of the disastrous start to their season, with three names already requested for interview.