By ETT Pete Carroll takes the reins as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders
After parting ways with Antonio Pierce, the Las Vegas Raiders are bringing in an experienced leader. Pete Carroll, the Super Bowl-winning coach, has been hired as the Raiders’ next head coach, as reported by Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Carroll, 73, returns to the sidelines after serving as a senior advisor for the Seattle Seahawks for the past year.
Carroll has a wealth of experience, having led four different NFL franchises: the New York Jets, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, and now the Las Vegas Raiders. He began his head coaching journey with the Jets in 1994 but was replaced after one season. Carroll then moved to the Patriots for three seasons before taking over at the University of Southern California (USC), where he transformed the program into a college football powerhouse.
Carroll’s successful tenure with the Seattle Seahawks
In 2010, Carroll returned to the NFL, taking over as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. He led the Seahawks for 14 seasons, guiding them to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory and establishing the famous “Legion of Boom” defense. Under Carroll’s leadership, the Seahawks missed the playoffs only four times, maintaining a competitive team throughout his tenure.
After 14 seasons in Seattle, Carroll decided to step down from the head coaching role but remained with the organization as an advisor. However, his passion for coaching never waned.
Carroll joins the Las Vegas Raiders, seeking to rebuild and lead them to success
Carroll’s “Always Compete” mantra is expected to resonate in Las Vegas, especially with new minority owner Tom Brady providing guidance. The Raiders, who have struggled in recent years, are hoping that Carroll’s leadership and experience will help turn things around.
However, there are significant challenges ahead for Carroll and the Raiders. The roster has several weaknesses that need to be addressed, including the need for a franchise quarterback. The Raiders hold the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and there is speculation that Carroll may reunite with his former Seahawks quarterback, Russell Wilson.
Carroll’s impact on the AFC West and his legacy in the NFL
Carroll’s arrival in Las Vegas adds another experienced coach to the AFC West, joining Andy Reid, Sean Payton, and Jim Harbaugh. With three Super Bowl winners and Harbaugh having taken a team to the Super Bowl, the division is now stacked with coaching talent.
Carroll’s move to the AFC West also sets up another chapter in his rivalry with Harbaugh, who he faced both in college (USC vs. Stanford) and in the NFC West (Seattle vs. San Francisco). The two veteran coaches are likely to engage in another round of intense competition.
Carroll joins a Raiders franchise that has not won a division title or a playoff game since 2002. With his proven leadership and Super Bowl-winning experience, Carroll aims to change that and establish a winning culture in Las Vegas.