Raiders fire head coach Josh McDaniels, GM David Ziegler after 3-5 start

Raiders fire head coach Josh McDaniels, GM David Ziegler after 3-5 start originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The 2023 NFL season has seen its first head coach firing.

Early Wednesday morning, the Las Vegas Raiders made the announcement that head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager David Ziegler have been relieved of their duties.

In a statement, owner Mark Davis said, “After careful consideration of the future direction of the Raiders, I have made the decision to part ways with Josh and Dave. I want to express my gratitude for their hard work and wish them and their families all the best.”

Antonio Pierce, a former Pro Bowler and linebackers coach, is set to be named interim head coach, according to sources reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Twitter.

This firing comes in the aftermath of the Raiders’ loss to the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football, which dropped their record to 3-5.

McDaniels, who joined the Raiders in 2022 on a six-year contract, leaves with a 9-16 record and no playoff appearances. The team is obligated to pay out the remainder of his deal.

Both McDaniels and Ziegler previously held positions with the New England Patriots before joining the Raiders. However, their time in Las Vegas was plagued by struggles with quarterback Derek Carr, and Jimmy Garoppolo’s first season as the team’s starting quarterback has failed to inspire.