Raiders must be more proactive in HC search or they'll regret it

It's surprising that Las Vegas (8-9) hasn't been more proactive. Pierce assumed HC duties after it fired Josh McDaniels in Week 9. He went 5-4 and helped the Raiders defense rapidly improve. They finished ninth in the league in points allowed (19.5).

He also impressed star players, such as defensive end Maxx Crosby. The handling of this situation has agitated the three-time Pro Bowler, who confirmed he requested to be traded if the Raiders don't hire Pierce. 

"I made it loud and clear that I want to be a Raider for life. I want to be here. I want to win here. I want to retire here," Crosby said on his podcast "The Rush." "But if we go and start from scratch again, I mean, I gotta consider everything. I mean, everything."

According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the Raiders are interested in Jim Harbaugh, which might explain why they have yet to promote Pierce. However, the Michigan HC is expected to interview with the Los Angeles Chargers next week. The 60-year-old might be more interested in this job since L.A. already has a franchise QB in Justin Herbert. 

Las Vegas should have a contingency plan. Hiring Pierce would make sense. Plus, it doesn't want to anger one of its best players, resulting in his departure. The Raiders need a coach that stars trust after consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance.