In a surprising turn of events, the Las Vegas Raiders' locker room is rallying behind interim head coach Antonio Pierce and interim general manager Champ Kelly, increasing the likelihood of their promotion within the organization. The vocal support from the players has caught the attention of team owner Mark Davis, who is considering honoring their wishes.

Star defensive end Maxx Crosby recently made national headlines by expressing his support for retaining Pierce, even admitting that he would consider requesting a trade if the interim coach isn't given a permanent role. Crosby further emphasized his backing of the current coaching tandem by contacting Davis directly.

Reports suggest that Davis has been impressed by the leadership displayed by Pierce and Kelly during their interim roles, but he has also contemplated the possibility of bringing in a high-profile name to Las Vegas. One candidate rumored to have caught Davis' interest is Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh. However, if Pierce and Kelly are retained, it will likely be because of Davis' desire to maintain team harmony and respect the opinions of his players.

Typically, players do not exert significant influence over coaching decisions, like when Davis disregarded the locker-room's support for interim coach Rich Bisaccia two years ago. Instead, Davis opted for an external hire with Josh McDaniels. Should Davis heed Crosby and his teammates' advice, the players will now be expected to demonstrate their faith in Pierce's appointment by delivering positive results on the field.

The success of this decision hinges on the team's immediate performance. Under Pierce's guidance, the Raiders finished the 2024 season with a commendable 5-4 record. To solidify the belief that appointing Pierce was the right move, the team will need to win consistently and show both Davis and the NFL world that they are a formidable force to be reckoned with.

However, if the Raiders endure another losing season in 2024, it will not necessarily reflect poorly on Pierce's hiring. Instead, it will expose shortcomings within the roster, placing the responsibility on both the players and the coaching staff. Pierce is expected to be given the opportunity to shape and develop his program, but the players will have to take a critical look at their own roles in order to achieve success.

The potential hiring of Harbaugh by the Los Angeles Chargers adds an intriguing layer to the situation. If the former Michigan coach were to join the Chargers and outperform the Raiders both in head-to-head matchups and overall record, it could create an uncomfortable scenario for everyone involved, including Davis himself.

Ultimately, if Pierce is given the nod, it presents the Raiders' roster with an opportunity to prove Davis right in his choice. This is precisely what the players have been advocating for - a chance to reward the owner's faith by delivering on the field. The fate of the team now rests on their shoulders, and only time will tell if they can rise to the occasion and bring success to Las Vegas.