Falcons Request Interview With Raiders' Antonio Pierce

The Atlanta Falcons continue to explore all avenues when searching for their next coach.

The Atlanta Falcons have quite the list of interview requests as they look for their next coach, and they just added another high-profile name to the list.

According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Falcons have requested to interview Las Vegas Raiders interim coach Antonio Pierce for their coaching vacancy.

Pierce, 45, took over after the Raiders fired Josh McDaniels on Halloween. Las Vegas was 3-5 with an anemic offense when Pierce took the reins, but he managed to right the ship somewhat and lead the Raiders to a 5-4 finish. That finish featured wins over all three of their AFC West rivals, including a 63-21 demolition of the Los Angeles Chargers, a Christmas Day upset over the Kansas City Chiefs and a home victory over the Denver Broncos to close out the regular season.

For weeks now, Raiders players have been very vocal in their support for Pierce. Star defensive end Maxx Crosby has been perhaps the most prominent supporter, even suggesting he may request a trade if Pierce isn't retained.

"It's legendary," Crosby told reporters Jan. 7. "When you have the right culture, a guy like A.P. that embraces the history of the Raiders, it's special. ... A ton of legends [visit] consistently because the amount of respect they have for him. So it makes you, as a player, want to go out there and show who you are. You know what I mean? You want to be at that level one day."

How Will Falcons Value Experience in Coaching Search?

Similarly, All-Pro receiver Davante Adams also gave Pierce a ringing endorsement for the Raiders' coaching job.

"It's obviously who I wanted, and he's my vote," Adams told reporters Jan. 3. "I've been vocal about that, and that's basically how the whole locker room feels, and with good reason. He's come in and done a great job."

Atlanta would be the second team Pierce has interviewed with, as he completed one with the Tennessee Titans on Saturday. The Raiders have not yet requested any coaching interviews, as they seem more focused on finding their next general manager first.