Giants Rumors on Antonio Pierce Interview Amid John Harbaugh Buzz in HC Search

While many have considered John Harbaugh the favorite to become the New York Giants' next head coach, the team is still exploring all options.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Giants will interview former linebacker and former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce for their head coaching position on Thursday night and Friday.

Schefter also reported the Giants requested to interview Denver Broncos assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi for the job.

When Harbaugh was surprisingly fired by the Baltimore Ravens earlier this week after 18 seasons at the helm, multiple reports quickly linked him to the New York opening. The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported on this week's episode of Scoop City that Harbaugh "really likes the Giants. They really like him. There's going to be an interview set up."

However, Schefter reported on Wednesday night that Harbaugh "is not expected to conduct any head coach interviews until next week," giving New York the opportunity to continue evaluating other potential candidates.

Pierce starred for the Giants from 2005 to 2009, earning his lone Pro Bowl selection in 2006 and winning a Super Bowl title in 2007. He joined the Raiders' coaching staff in 2022 as their linebackers coach and was promoted to interim head coach the following year, going 5-4 to end the season. Unfortunately, things didn't go well when he was given the permanent role, as Las Vegas went 4-13 in 2024 and fired him at the end of the year.

Bringing Pierce back into the fold would certainly appease a large contingent of Giants fans, but the team won't be making any decisions before getting the chance to meet with Harbaugh. If Pierce doesn't land the head coaching position in New York, perhaps he could return to his roots as a member of the team's defensive coaching staff.