In All Things Of The Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders have achieved a historic milestone in their front office, becoming the first NFL team with an all-Black leadership group. Head coach Antonio Pierce, president Sandra Douglass Morgan, and general manager Champ Kelly are making significant strides in diversifying leadership roles within the organization.
Antonio Pierce assumed the interim head coaching position after the dismissal of Josh McDaniels, who had been with the team since 2022. McDaniels’ tenure ended with a 3-5 record, prompting the Raiders to make a change. Pierce’s debut as head coach resulted in an impressive 30-6 victory over the New York Giants, marking a positive start under his leadership.
This groundbreaking leadership composition highlights the Raiders’ commitment to diversity and inclusion, setting a precedent in the NFL. The team’s decision to appoint African-American leaders to these key positions reflects a significant step forward in fostering representation and equality within the sports industry.
On November 1, Kelly assumed the role of interim general manager, coinciding with Pierce’s promotion. Before stepping into the GM position, Kelly had been the assistant GM to Dave Ziegler since February 2, 2022.
Among the trio, Morgan holds the longest tenure, serving as the Raiders’ team president since July 7, 2022. Notably, her appointment marked a historic milestone, as she became the first African-American woman to be named an NFL team president. Additionally, Morgan is the third woman and third African-American to hold this esteemed title.
Antonio Pierce’s Raiders Connection
Born in 1978 in Ontario, California, Pierce’s ties to the Raiders go back to his youth when the team was based in Los Angeles from 1982 to 1994. Growing up, Pierce was a devoted Raiders fan, and even during his tenure as a linebacker for the New York Giants and Washington Commanders, his allegiance to the silver and black remained unwavering.
Former Giants’ quarterback David Carr recently shared an anecdote about Pierce. According to Carr, in 2008, the year following the Giants’ first Super Bowl win, they defeated the Raiders. However, the game actually took place in the 2009 season. Following a play where Carr spiked the football, Pierce approached him on the sideline, cautioning him to “never disrespect that [Raiders] team.”
David Carr tells a funny (#Raiders related) Antonio Pierce story while w/ the NYG. #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/BJuFnOnFtA
— NYCRaider88 (@NYC_Raider88) November 1, 2023
