- The Raiders have a 3-5 record for the season and are third in the AFC West
- Pierce, a former NFL defenseman and coach, is now interim coach
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
There is a renewed sense of happiness in the Las Vegas Raiders locker room.
And per The AthleticsNo one would come out and admit why, even though it’s clear that Josh McDaniels, fired as head coach earlier this week, is gone.
Since the big change at coaching level, Raiders players are said to be happier than ever under interim replacement Antonio Pierce, with the team’s stars already a lot ‘looser’ and relaxed in the new regime.
According to the report, star wide receiver Davante Adams was seen playing basketball with an 8-foot hoop against running back Ameer Abdullah in the aftermath of McDaniels’ shooting. The offensive linemen were also seen struggling.
McDaniels developed a reputation as a control freak, and the players seemed looser without having to watch over their shoulders.
Las Vegas Raiders players are said to be happier than ever following the firing of Josh McDaniels
McDaniels was fired as Raiders head coach earlier this week due to the team’s poor 3-5 start
While Adams declined to acknowledge the dramatic improvement in camp mood upon his departure, the Raiders’ star pass catcher also expressed frustration with the team after Monday’s embarrassing loss to the Detroit Lions.
When widespread change is needed, the leader of those shortcomings typically gets a pink slip.
“Don’t get it confused, it’s no celebration that we have a new coach and changes have been made,” Adams said. ‘It was clearly time for some form of change.
“Just to bring in some juice and revitalize the team a little bit.”
“It’s more of a mentality that we’re trying to … not force, but just have to move forward and be as positive as possible,” Adams said of the leadership changes. “There is now a definitive shift where we can say things are different and we have the opportunity to change that.
“Our mentality is to have fun and enjoy our time in this building. It felt like too much work.’
Antonio Pierce has since taken over as interim head coach and the mood in the camp is already said to have improved dramatically
Pierce, a longtime NFL defensive back and coach, has replaced McDaniels as interim coach.
“We’re not walking on eggshells everywhere,” Las Vegas receiver Hunter Renfrow said.
The Raiders will get their first chance to show off their unconditional faith on the field on Sunday against the also struggling New York Giants.