Pete Carroll is making a return to the NFL sidelines as he takes on the head coaching role for the Las Vegas Raiders, according to an ESPN report. This move is particularly notable as it will make Carroll, who will turn 74 in September, the oldest coach in modern NFL history, surpassing the record previously held by Romeo Crennel.
Carroll has spent the past season away from coaching after being released by the Seattle Seahawks in January. During his time with the Seahawks, he led the franchise to 10 playoff appearances and secured the team’s only Super Bowl title over his 14-year tenure. Following a disappointing 2023 season which ended in a 9-8 record, the organization chose to move in a new direction, appointing Mike Macdonald as their youngest-ever head coach at age 36.
Before taking the Raiders’ position, Carroll explored opportunities with the Chicago Bears and the Dallas Cowboys, although only the Bears conducted a formal interview. Additionally, he has been teaching a course at the University of Southern California, where he previously coached and led to two national championships.
This hiring marks one of the significant changes for the Raiders, particularly under the fresh ownership of Tom Brady, who became a part-owner of the franchise in October. Owner Mark Davis expressed a desire for Brady to have a significant influence in football operations, which aligns with the team’s current priority of finding a young quarterback amid their recent struggles. The Raiders finished the 2024 season at 4-13, leading to the firings of head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco.
Mark Davis has stated that the franchise holds the sixth overall pick in the upcoming draft and boasts about $92 million in projected cap space, allowing them room to make significant upgrades this offseason.
This return marks a significant chapter in Carroll’s career and brings with it the potential for revitalization within a Raiders team looking to establish stability and regain competitiveness in the league. The future appears bright as the team embarks on a new journey under Carroll’s experienced leadership.