One reason that Maxx Crosby was very outspoken in his support of keeping Antonio Pierce on board after last season, when the Raiders fired Josh McDaniels midyear and made Pierce the interim replacement, was the fact that he craved a bit of stability.
In six seasons with Las Vegas, Crosby has already had four head coaches and lamented the fact that the Raiders have not been able to establish an identity in part because they've not been able to keep a coach in place for more than a season or so.
When it came time for the Raiders to make a decision on Pierce, Crosby publicly lobbied owner Mark Davis to keep him.
But after last year's 8-9 finish gave way to a miserable 4-13 season in 2024, the Raiders did dump Pierce and are now set up for Crosby to have his fifth coach as he enters his seventh season.
Speaking on his podcast, "The Rush," Crosby addressed the departure of Pierce.
"The first thing that comes to mind is just, his family," Crosby said. "The people that are closest to him--obviously, it is extremely disappointing. His wife, his kids, everybody I've been able to actually have a real relationship with. His son is on the staff. But they literally, all of them have been incredible.
"But I was very vocal. I believe in AP. This season didn't go anybody expected it, to be honest. It's unfortunate.
"For me, this business is not easy. From the coaching side, and front office, constant turnover. It's something I, especially being here with the Raiders, I mean, I am gonna be on a new head coach again.
"First and foremost, big shout out to AP, him and his family, because people don't know, the life, the real human element of it is not easy. ... I just wish them the best going forward."
For the first time in his career, Crosby dealt with an injury in 2024, playing only 12 games and missing the last four weeks to deal with an ankle injury. Even with the shortened year, he recorded 7.5 sacks and 17 tackles for a loss.
