Asked about his job status for 2025, Antonio Pierce says, "I'm under contract"

Antonio Pierce did enough last year as the interim head coach of the Raiders to earn a chance to be the non-interim head coach of the Raiders.

He's gotten the chance. It hasn't gone well.

The Raiders are 2-12, and they're riding a 10-game losing streak. On Tuesday, the day after the team's most recent loss, Pierce was asked if he thinks he'll be back in 2025.

"I’m under contract," Pierce said, via Tashan Reed of TheAthletic.com.

Being under contract doesn't insulate a coach from being fired — unless the owner isn't willing to pay him to not coach. Pierce can still be fired, contract or not contract. (Also, nothing stops the Raiders from trying to fire Pierce "for cause" and refusing to pay him; under the late Al Davis, the Raiders did just that with coach Lane Kiffin.)

Pierce also said he has had "positive" conversations with owner Mark Davis about the future.

But Pierce wouldn't be the first coach to be fired despite getting the impression everything is fine. Some owners prefer to act like everything is normal until it isn't. Some owners make a tentative decision and leave the door open to change their minds later.

Regardless, it's hard to imagine the Raiders not making a change. Especially if the 10-game losing streak ends up at 13 before the season mercifully ends.