Chad Johnson Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Chad Johnson trolls fans with announcement he got an NFL coaching job

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 2/8/24

You’ve got to hand it to former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson and Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce for really committing to the bit.

Johnson announced during an Instagram Live video on Wednesday that he was taking a coaching job with the Raiders, stating (via SI Fan Nation), “Yes, I got a job with the Raiders. Not as a Staff Member but as a member of the Organization.. I’m not sure what it is exactly yet. But I will be a part of the team and that’s an Amazing thing.”

The 46-year-old Johnson even tweeted a photo of himself next to Pierce appearing to confirm the news, even posting a screenshot of a conversation he had with a friend who didn’t believe he was, in fact, hired by the team.

For his part, Pierce, who was retained as Vegas's permanent head coach a few weeks ago after serving as its interim HC for the final nine weeks of the 2023 season after Josh McDaniels was fired, tweeted about Johnson working with star receiver Davante Adams, seemingly confirming Johnson’s hiring to his staff.

Taking over the NFL with former players like 85 … coaching up 17 https://t.co/GBREbaqdrJ
— Antonio Pierce (@AntonioPierce) February 7, 2024

However, ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez squashed the legitimacy of Johnson’s news on Thursday night.

“Just caught up with Chad Johnson and no, he's not joining Antonio Pierce's Raiders,” Gutierrez tweeted. “Just having some fun on social media.”

Johnson doesn’t have any previous coaching experience, but he did work with the Cleveland Browns receivers for a short while during training camp in 2016. A four-time All-Pro selection and six-time Pro Bowler, Johnson played 10 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and one with the New England Patriots.

He finished his career with 766 receptions, 11,059 yards and 67 touchdowns. Johnson ranks in the NFL’s top 50 all-time in receiving yards (40th) and receptions (42nd).

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