According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, owner Mark Davis has told people close to him that he's increasingly impressed by interim head coach Antonio Pierce, who is 4-3 since replacing Josh McDaniels -- including a 20-14 triumph last week at Kansas City.

Superstar pass rusher Maxx Crosby and other players have been effusive in their praise for Pierce, and several members of the extended Raiders family have reached out to Davis to express their support as well. But Pierce is not a slam dunk for the job.

Davis is a believer that you need a big name in Las Vegas, and his two coaches there so far (Jon Gruden and McDaniels) fit the bill. Who could it be this time? Bill Belichick is certainly one if he becomes available, though it's hard to imagine a return to the Patriot Way would play well in the locker room after McDaniels' 9-16 stint. Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, a former Raiders assistant coach, would qualify. And Davis still loves Gruden, who hasn't taken a full-time coaching role since his resignation from the Raiders in 2021.

Pierce has two more games to make his case -- at Indianapolis today and home against the Broncos next week -- with slim playoff hopes still alive.

Interim general manager Champ Kelly's status also remains up in the air.