Report: Crosby to explore trade request if Pierce isn't coach

Raiders pass-rusher Maxx Crosby will explore a trade request if Las Vegas doesn't make Antonio Pierce its full-time head coach, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.

Pierce has reportedly emerged as the Raiders' leading candidate for the position, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. However, Las Vegas is considering making a run at Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, per Pelissero and Rapoport.

Crosby didn't confirm the trade request rumor but said all options are on the table if the Raiders don't hire Pierce.

"I want to be a Raider. ... But if we go in a different direction, there is nothing that is off the table," Crosby said on his podcast "The Rush," according to Vic Tafur of The Athletic.

Pierce led the Raiders to a 5-4 mark this past season after taking over for Josh McDaniels on an interim basis. The former linebackers coach has received public support from players such as Crosby and Davante Adams. As a result, there's believed to be mounting pressure on owner Mark Davis to promote Pierce before the team has conducted any head coaching interviews, Pelissero reports.

Las Vegas' interest in Harbaugh comes as the Michigan head coach is currently weighing a return to the NFL after leading his alma mater to a CFP national championship this past week.

A Harbaugh camp and a Pierce camp have emerged within the Raiders' extended family, which includes fans and ex-players, Pelissero and Rapoport note. However, Davis has been impressed by the support from the locker room for Pierce, as well as from the fanbase on gamedays and otherwise, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

Pierce is keeping his options open. He's scheduled to interview with the Tennessee Titans this weekend after they dismissed Mike Vrabel on Tuesday, per Pelissero and Rapoport. Shortly after news of Pierce's upcoming interview became public, Crosby tweeted on Friday "#HireAP."

The Raiders have had three different interim coaches since 2012. The most recent of which was Rich Bisaccia, who posted a 7-5 record in 2021 and helped Las Vegas make the playoffs. He received backing from players like Crosby for the full-time job but ultimately wasn't hired permanently by the club.