Chargers begin Jim Harbaugh era, welcome Raiders to L.A.

(Photo credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
Last season was good enough the Raiders asked Antonio Pierce to stay after the Los Angeles Chargers went to surprising means to secure Jim Harbaugh as their new head coach.

Pierce, the interim for the final two months last season, faces Harbaugh and the Chargers in the regular-season opener Sunday in a game each team hopes to use as a statement.

Pierce put his staff on the "Beat L.