The Cincinnati Bengals could have been a playoff team and perhaps even a Super Bowl contender if their defense had been even slightly better.

The Bengals’ poor defense led to the team firing defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and they’re now hoping to find the person who can give them a playoff-ready defense.

Pierce could be the person for the job.

Though Pierce has not served as a defensive coordinator in the NFL, the Raiders had the ninth-best team defense in the league when he was a linebackers coach in 2023. This year, Pierce’s defense held teams to 20 or fewer points six times.

If the Bengals don’t hire Pierce as defensive coordinator, he could be a fit for their open linebackers coaching job.

Taking a position coach after being fired as a head coach could be a shot to Pierce’s pride, but getting back to his roots as a linebackers coach might be what he needs at this point in his career.

Pierce, who is only 46, could help transform the Bengals’ defense after they had one of the worst units in the NFL last season. Cincinnati has experience in its linebackers room too, which could make the process even easier.

If Pierce can prove himself after a shaky season in Las Vegas, he could be back on the sidelines as a head coach in no time.

It’s also worth mentioning that Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is interviewing for the Bengals defensive coordinator job. If hired, perhaps his former colleague will be one of the first additions to his staff.