Ryan Begins Hunt for New Falcons Coach as Pierce Interviews
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The Atlanta Falcons have officially commenced their search for the 20th head coach in franchise history, with former Las Vegas Raiders boss Antonio Pierce among the first to interview for the vacancy.
The organization is entering a new era following the departure of Raheem Morris at the conclusion of the 2025 season. However, the most significant shift in Georgia is not just the vacancy on the sidelines, but the new-look leadership structure tasked with filling it.
Leading the search is the newly appointed Falcons President of Football, Matt Ryan. The legendary former quarterback has moved from the broadcast booth to the front office, heading a search committee that includes owner Arthur Blank and the expertise of ZRG Partners and Sportsology Group.
Arthur Blank has made it clear that this search will break from the Falcons' traditional hiring patterns. By appointing a President of Football first, the organization aims to create a streamlined hierarchy where the coach and general manager report to a single football-focused lead.
"Our search committee will be structured a little bit differently than it has been in the past," Blank said. "We're going to put heavy emphasis on hiring this president of football first. We want to get that person in their seat and have them lead the interviews for the head coach and general manager position going forward."
That person is Matt Ryan, and the "Matty Ice" era of management is already in full swing. The team confirmed on Thursday that they have officially completed an interview with Antonio Pierce. Pierce, who earned plaudits for his leadership of the Raiders, represents the high-energy, "player-first" archetype that could revitalize a Falcons locker room looking for a spark.
The search is governed by strict NFL protocols regarding the timing and format of interviews, particularly for candidates currently employed by playoff teams. The Falcons have committed to transparency throughout the process, promising to announce each interview as it is completed.
With Ryan at the helm of the committee, the focus remains on finding a successor to Morris who can maximize a roster that has shown flashes of brilliance but lacked the consistency to challenge for the NFC South title. Whether Pierce is the man to lead that charge, or if the Falcons look toward a coordinator from the league’s current elite, remains the defining question of the Atlanta off-season.
Pierce was the head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders until the end of the 2024 season. He was the interim head coach the season prior.
Pierce began his NFL tenure as a linebackers coach with the Raiders from 2022-23. He kept that responsibility in 2023 before being named the interim head coach after Josh McDaniels was fired in November. The Raiders went 5-4 with Pierce at the temporary helm, and he was named the official head coach after the season's conclusion.
After starting his coaching career at Long Beach Poly High School, Pierce made the jump to the college ranks in 2018 as the linebackers coach/recruiting coordinator for Arizona State University before being promoted to defensive coordinator/assistant head coach in 2020.
Going undrafted in the 2001 NFL Draft, Piece was signed as a free agent with the then-Washington Redskins. He became one of Washington's starting inside linebackers in 2004, logging a career high 114 tackles, one forced fumble, one sack and two interceptions. He played his final five seasons with the New York Giants, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2006.
Monday, January 05, 2026
Giants legend Pierce Set for Head New York Coach Interview
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Antonio Pierce is set for a homecoming at MetLife Stadium as the New York Giants begin their search for a new head coach following a dismal 2025 campaign.
The former Giants linebacker, who was a cornerstone of the Super Bowl XLII-winning defence, is reportedly among the leading candidates to interview for the vacancy left by the mid-season departure of Brian Daboll. ESPN's Jordan Raanan reports that General Manager Joe Schoen—who has been officially retained by ownership—is looking to Pierce to potentially restore the "winning culture" that defined his playing days in East Rutherford.
Pierce, 47, returns to the coaching market after a year out of the NFL. His previous stint as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders ended in January 2025 following a disappointing 4-13 season. Despite galvanising the Raiders locker room as an interim in 2023—notably leading them to an upset win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day—his full-time tenure was marred by a ten-game losing streak and offensive struggles.
He finished his time in Nevada with an overall record of 9-17, but supporters of his candidacy point to the "talent-deficient" roster he inherited and his natural leadership qualities as reasons for a second chance.
For the Giants ownership, Pierce represents a link to the franchise's glory years. Between 2005 and 2009, he was the "heart and brains" of a unit that never suffered a losing season. Co-owner John Mara has historically valued candidates with ties to the organization, and Pierce's familiarity with the New York media market is seen as a significant advantage.
The search for the franchise's next leader is expected to be extensive. In addition to Pierce, the Giants are reportedly looking at several high-profile names:
Mike McCarthy: The former Cowboys and Packers head coach offers the Super Bowl-winning experience the Giants have lacked since the Tom Coughlin era. Chris Shula: The Rams' defensive coordinator and grandson of the legendary Don Shula is considered one of the league's brightest young minds. Jeff Hafley: The Packers' defensive coordinator has deep New Jersey roots and ties to Mara's alma mater, Boston College. Mike Kafka: The current Giants interim coach, who oversaw the final seven games of the 2025 season, may also be considered for the permanent role.
With the Giants officially holding the No. 5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the new hire will be tasked with the immediate development of 22-year-old quarterback Jaxson Dart and a young core that ownership believes is ready to compete.
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Pratt’s Senior Showdown as Parkview JV Line Anchor
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Tonight marks a significant occasion for Amari Pratt, the defensive linchpin for Parkview High School's JV Football squad, as he prepares for his Senior Game. The match serves as a capstone to a high school career defined by size, strength, and unwavering commitment in the trenches.
Pratt, who stands at a formidable 6 feet tall and weighs 260lbs, is recognized as the anchor of the defensive line, relying on a powerful combination of size and raw strength to disrupt opposing offenses.
His proven physical capacity demonstrates why he is such a presence on the field. Pratt’s performance metrics in the weight room underscore his potential, particularly for a defensive tackle:
Bench Press: His maximum bench press stands at a strong 245lbs. Repetition Strength: He is capable of completing 12 repetitions of the 185lb bench press, highlighting his explosive endurance and staying power during a long game. Lower Body Power: Pratt's lower body strength is impressive, boasting a 365lb squat and a 315lb deadlift. Explosive Lift: He rounds out his lifting profile with a solid 195lb clean, showcasing the explosive power required to shed blocks and burst into the backfield.
As he takes the field for his final junior varsity contest, Pratt will be leading the Parkview defense, aiming to use his strength and experience to anchor a victory on his celebratory Senior Night.
Thursday, July 31, 2025
Pierce Lands New Role at Athletes in Control
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Former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce has found a new role outside of the NFL, joining the company "Athletes in Control (AIC)" as their Chief Strategy Adviser.
The move comes after a period of uncertainty for Pierce, who did not pursue other coaching jobs this offseason after being relieved of his duties by the Raiders.
Pierce's new venture, Athletes in Control, is a company founded by a team of athletes, coaches, and business professionals with the goal of helping players navigate high-stakes career decisions. Their mission is to "surround athletes with the essential tools and guidance to lead their journey like a CEO," offering tailored services focused on long-term growth.
Interestingly, Pierce is joined at AIC by a familiar face: Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is listed as a Brand Ambassador. The two have a close relationship from their time at Arizona State, where Daniels was the quarterback and Pierce was on the coaching staff. This connection was evident during the 2024 NFL Draft, where Pierce reportedly did his best to try and acquire Daniels for the Raiders, though the Commanders had no interest in trading their pick.
Pierce's coaching journey has been a rollercoaster. He took over as the interim head coach for the Raiders midway through the 2023 season, leading the team to a respectable 5-4 record and earning significant support from his players. This performance led to him being named the full-time head coach for the 2024 season. However, his first full season at the helm was a struggle, as the Raiders finished with a disappointing 4-13 record, which ultimately led to his dismissal.
As a player, Pierce was a highly respected linebacker in the NFL. His most notable season came in 2007, when he was a key member of the New York Giants' defense that famously defeated the undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, a game where he played a crucial role in stopping Tom Brady and the powerful Patriots offense.
For now, Pierce's focus will be on this new, off-field venture, putting his extensive experience in the world of professional sports to a different use.
Sunday, June 15, 2025
NFL Stars Boost Flag Football Ahead of Olympic Debut
IslandStats.com
The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) partnered with professional American footballers for a two-hour flag football programme at the National Sports Center, marking a significant step in developing the sport on the island as it prepares for its Olympic debut.
Flag Football is set to make a historic appearance at the LA28 Olympic Games, highlighting its rapid global growth and increasing prominence.
A group of visiting National Football League (NFL) players, including New York Jets quarterbacks Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor, led the training sessions. They were accompanied by top U.S. quarterback coach Quincy Avery and manager David Leeks, a founding member of Golf Links Golf.
The NFL stars and coaches worked closely with local players, focusing on improving their awareness and skills in the non-contact format of American Football. In flag football, the offense aims to score by advancing the ball down the field through passing and running, while the defense tries to stop their opponent by removing one of three flags hanging from the player's waist – rather than tackling.
This high-profile initiative underscores Bermuda's commitment to supporting emerging sports and leveraging its infrastructure to become a training and competition destination. The presence of NFL talent provides invaluable expertise and inspiration to the local flag football community, fostering growth as the sport builds towards its Olympic moment.
