Maxx Crosby Likely to Ask for Trade if Raiders Don’t Promote Antonio Pierce, per Report

The Pro Bowl defensive end is leaving no doubt whom he wants the Las Vegas Raiders to hire as their full-time head coach.

Maxx Crosby is putting his foot down as the Las Vegas Raiders arrive at a fork in the road in terms of their head coaching job.

Las Vegas can either hire a big name, such as Michigan‘s Jim Harbaugh, or retain interim coach Antonio Pierce, who is popular with players and improved the product on the field almost immediately after being appointed to the role.  

Crosby, a three-time Pro Bowl selection and one of the most respected voices in the Raiders’ locker room, has made it clear whom he wants. He took to X, formerly Twitter, on Friday, posting the hashtag “Hire AP,” showing support for Pierce. 

But Crosby seems to have taken things a step further. Crosby will consider making a trade request if Pierce isn’t brought back as the Raiders’ coach, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.

Antonio Pierce posted a 5–4 record as interim coach of the Raiders, and Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby wants him back in Las Vegas :: Kirby Lee / USA TODAY Sports

Las Vegas, according to the report, has interest in Harbaugh, but Crosby, as well as others in the Raiders’ locker room, are standing behind Pierce, who went 5—4 as the interim coach, winning three of the final four games of the season. 

Pierce will interview for the coaching vacancy with the Tennessee Titans this week. Crosby, under contract through 2026, has placed the ball firmly in the Raiders’ court.