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The Las Vegas Raiders solidified Antonio Pierce as their head coach moving forward. With the leader of the locker room now confirmed, the Raiders now have another coach they must find a way to retain. 

The only problem is that the coach did his job so well this season he has caught the attention of nearly every team in the National Football League that is looking for a head coach.

Defensive Patrick Graham took what was a retooled defense and turned them into one of the best defenses in the NFL. Not only that, even after the additions to the defensive side of the ball, the Raiders still had one of the lowest-paid defensive rosters in the NFL.

Graham took a unit with no household names other than Maxx Crosby and made them a respectable defense that ranked as one of the better defenses in the league after vastly improving in many categories from the season before. 

Even more impressive than maximizing the talent of little-known players was that Graham's defense was as successful as they were with an offense that could barely move the ball at times and often could score points at all, routinely putting Las Vegas' defense in unfavorable positions. 

The Raiders had one of the lowest-paid defenses, but they'd singlehandedly keep the team in games where one of the highest-paid offenses in the league was struggling. There were also a few games where Graham's defense singlehandedly won. 

Graham's presence was seen in more ways than one on game days this season. He was even able to help find a way to get the most out of rookie defensive lineman Tyree Wilson after a slow start to his season. The job he did with many things working against him and his defense every week has rightfully put him in the running for head coaching positions elsewhere.

While Graham deserves every bit of recognition and every interview for a head coaching position he's received, the Raiders must find a way to keep Graham, who has proven that his value to the players and the organization would be hard to replace. 

From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.

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This article first appeared on FanNation Raider Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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