Raiders Welcome Pete Carroll: A New Era Begins in Vegas

Pete Carroll and the Las Vegas Raiders have reportedly reached an agreement on a three-year deal with a fourth-year team option, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This marks a significant change in leadership for the Raiders, who recently parted ways with Antonio Pierce after just one full season as head coach.

Momentum Builds for Pete Carroll to the Raiders

The hiring of Pete Carroll, 73, brings one of the most accomplished coaches in football history back to the sidelines. Carroll is one of only four head coaches to have won both a college football national championship and a Super Bowl, alongside Barry Switzer, Jimmy Johnson, and Jim Harbaugh.

Carroll’s storied career includes a dominant run at USC, where he led the Trojans to multiple Pac-10 titles and two national championships. His transition to the NFL saw him become the winningest coach in Seattle Seahawks history, boasting a record of 137-89-1 with 10 playoff victories over 14 seasons. During his tenure, the Seahawks secured two conference championships and the franchise’s only Super Bowl victory in 2013.

Raiders’ Coaching Carousel Continues

The Raiders have struggled with coaching stability since relocating to Las Vegas from Oakland in 2020. Carroll will be the team’s fifth head coach in that span and the ninth under owner Mark Davis, who took over the franchise after the passing of his father, Al Davis, in 2011.

Pierce, 46, was initially promoted from linebackers coach to interim head coach when the team fired Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler in October 2023. Despite showing promise, the Raiders opted for a more experienced hand in Carroll, who is known for his player-friendly coaching style and proven ability to build a championship-caliber team.

Can Carroll Revive the Raiders?

Carroll’s previous NFL head-coaching experiences included stints with the New York Jets (1994) and the New England Patriots (1997-1999), before he found lasting success in Seattle. Now, he faces a new challenge: reviving a Raiders team that finished 4-13 last season and has not reached the Super Bowl since 2002.

The Raiders’ coaching search had initially been linked to Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, whom minority owner Tom Brady was reportedly eyeing. However, the franchise has pivoted toward Carroll, whose leadership and championship pedigree bring renewed hope to Raider Nation.

With Carroll now at the helm, the Raiders are betting on his ability to recreate his past success and bring a winning culture back to Las Vegas. Whether he can replicate his Seahawks success remains to be seen, but the NFL world will be watching closely as Carroll embarks on this new chapter in his storied coaching career.

FAQs

Who is Pete Carroll?

Pete Carroll is a veteran NFL coach known for leading the Seattle Seahawks to their first and only Super Bowl victory in 2013. He has also coached at USC, where he won multiple national championships.

 What is Pete Carroll’s coaching record?

Carroll has a career NFL coaching record of 181-131-1, with 10 playoff victories. He is the winningest coach in Seattle Seahawks history.

Why did the Raiders hire Pete Carroll?

The Raiders hired Carroll due to his extensive experience, leadership skills, and proven track record of building successful teams both in college and the NFL.

How long is Pete Carroll’s contract with the Raiders?

Carroll has reportedly agreed to a three-year contract with a fourth-year team option.

Who was the Raiders’ previous head coach?

Before Carroll, Antonio Pierce served as the head coach for one season, following the firing of Josh McDaniels in October 2023.

What challenges does Pete Carroll face with the Raiders?

Carroll will need to rebuild a struggling Raiders team that finished 4-13 last season and has lacked stability in leadership and player performance.

How many head coaches have the Raiders had since moving to Las Vegas?

Since relocating to Las Vegas in 2020, the Raiders have had five head coaches, including Pete Carroll.

Has Pete Carroll coached any other NFL teams?

Yes, Carroll has previously coached the New York Jets (1994) and the New England Patriots (1997-1999) before his long and successful tenure with the Seattle Seahawks.