Maxx Crosby gets his wish after Raiders decide to hire interim coach Antonio Pierce as new HC: “Let’s Work!!”

The Las Vegas Raiders ended the season with a win against the Denver Broncos, capping an 8-9 campaign amid controversial coaching changes. The team’s head coaching status still remains unclear with interim head coach Antonio Pierce’s future up in the air and Maxx Crosby’s injury being a worry.

The Raiders elevated Antonio Pierce to the role of head coach in a surprising move amid speculation surrounding Jim Harbough. Meanwhile, the injured Maxx Crosby was filled with joy by the decision.

Maxx Crosby celebrates Antonio Pierce as new HC

Maxx Crosby celebrated the Raiders’ decision to appoint Pierce as the permanent head coach by expressing his excitement on Twitter. The defensive end had previously indicated a desire for Pierce to lead the team, seeking consistency and even mentioning the possibility of requesting a trade if it didn’t happen.

From his hospital bed, Crosby expressed his heartfelt wishes for Pierce’s success in the newly assigned role, simply writing, “Let’s work” in his X post.

Crosby has shown unwavering support for the HC during the coaching speculation, consistently endorsing the interim coach through media statements and his social media accounts. Pierce’s appointment marks another positive step towards diversity in the coaching ranks, as he becomes the second black head coach hired this season. Jerod Mayo of the New England Patriots was the first to take on the role, succeeding Bill Belichick after his impressive 24-season tenure.

The coaching transition in Las Vegas occurred after former head coach Josh McDaniels was relieved of his duties following a 3-5 start. In the interim, Pierce, who previously served as the linebacker coach for the Raiders, assumed the role of head coach in 2023.

With the official appointment now confirmed, the Raiders and their passionate defensive end are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting season under the guidance of Coach Pierce.

Maxx Crosby’s injury update

The Raiders’ defensive star had knee surgery as a major step towards rehabilitation despite the difficulties of a persistent knee issue. Crosby, who had been managing a bursa injury in his knee since Week Two of the previous season, took to his social media accounts to announce his surgery.

Despite battling the knee issue throughout the 2023 season, Crosby was determined to put forward a stellar performance, playing in all 17 games, per NBC Sports. One particularly memorable moment came in Week 13 against the Kansas City Chiefs, when doubts surrounded his availability.

Crosby shocked everyone by playing against the Chiefs despite being officially labeled as questionable and missing the whole week of practices.

Crosby’s remarkable durability has been a defining hallmark of his career since he was drafted in 2019, as he has never missed a game due to injury. His outstanding performance in the 2023 season led to an impressive 14.5 sacks, securing his place in the Pro Bowl for the third year in a row.

Now that the NFL season has concluded, the veteran pass rusher is prioritizing his health and well-being, opting for the necessary surgery to address the persistent knee issue.