Super Bowl-Winning Coach Pete Carroll Hired by Raiders

Pete Carroll Takes the Reins in Las Vegas: A New Era for the Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders have made a splash, hiring Super Bowl-winning coach Pete Carroll to lead the franchise. This bold move comes after the Raiders parted ways with Antonio Pierce and signals a clear desire for stability and success. The news was first reported by NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.  

At 73, Carroll returns to the sidelines after a year as a senior advisor with the Seattle Seahawks, marking his fourth NFL head coaching stint in a career spanning over three decades.  

A Legacy of Winning:

Carroll’s impressive 170-120-1 regular-season record speaks for itself. After early NFL stops with the Jets and Patriots, he revitalized the USC Trojans before returning to the NFL in 2010 with the Seahawks. His 14-year tenure in Seattle was defined by consistent success, culminating in a Super Bowl XLVIII victory fueled by the legendary “Legion of Boom” defense. Missing the playoffs only four times during his Seahawks run, Carroll established a culture of winning.

A New Vision in Vegas:

The Raiders are banking on Carroll’s “Always Compete” philosophy to transform the franchise. This hire also aligns with the vision of new minority owner Tom Brady, who will play a key role in shaping the team’s future alongside Carroll.

At 74 on September 15th, Carroll becomes the oldest head coach in NFL history, surpassing Romeo Crennel. His arrival further intensifies the already competitive AFC West, joining fellow Super Bowl-winning coaches Andy Reid, Sean Payton, and Jim Harbaugh. The rekindling of Carroll’s rivalry with Harbaugh, dating back to their college days at USC and Stanford and later in the NFC West, adds another layer of intrigue.

Challenges and Opportunities:

Carroll inherits a Raiders team hungry for success, having not won a division title or playoff game since 2002. With 11 head coaches in the past two decades, the franchise desperately needs stability.  

Key priorities for Carroll and new general manager John Spytek include addressing the quarterback situation. Holding the No. 6 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Raiders are well-positioned to draft a potential franchise quarterback. Speculation about a possible reunion with former Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has already begun. Building a strong coaching staff, particularly on the offensive side, will also be crucial.

A Fresh Start in the Desert:

The Raiders are placing their faith in Pete Carroll’s proven leadership and championship pedigree to usher in a new era of success. With Carroll at the helm, the hope is that the Raiders can finally return to playoff contention and reclaim their place as a force in the AFC West. This is a fresh start, led by one of the NFL’s most experienced and accomplished coaches.