HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders have secured a new head coach, reaching a three-year agreement with Pete Carroll, who has a team option for a fourth year. This announcement was made by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
At 74, Carroll stands out as one of only four coaches to have achieved success in both college football, winning a national championship, and the NFL, leading his team to a Super Bowl victory. The others in this elite group include Barry Switzer, Jimmy Johnson, and Jim Harbaugh.
Carroll marks the Raiders’ fifth head coach since their move to Las Vegas from Oakland in 2020, following Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, Josh McDaniels, and Antonio Pierce. Overall, he will be the ninth coach since Mark Davis took the helm of the franchise after the death of his father, Al Davis, in 2011. The previous coaches include Hue Jackson, Dennis Allen, Tony Sparano, Jack Del Rio, and the aforementioned Gruden, Bisaccia, McDaniels, and Pierce.
His appointment comes at a crucial time for the Raiders, who have faced instability in recent years, particularly following Gruden’s resignation due to an email scandal in 2021. Carroll’s extensive experience is anticipated to provide much-needed stability and guidance as the team tries to find its footing in a tough AFC West division that features accomplished coaches like Kansas City’s Andy Reid, Denver’s Sean Payton, and the Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh.
During his successful tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, Carroll achieved a remarkable 137-89-1 regular-season record, including winning Super Bowl XLVIII, along with securing two NFC championships and 10 playoff berths across 14 seasons. Including earlier coaching roles with the New York Jets and the New England Patriots, Carroll has an overall career record of 181-131-1.
Carroll’s coaching career has been highlighted by his defensive prowess, and he will need to address several key free agents on that side of the ball for the Raiders, including defensive ends Malcolm Koonce and K’Lavon Chaisson, and several important linebackers and safeties. The team holds the No. 6 overall draft pick, coupled with over $108 million in salary cap space, positioning them well for a roster overhaul, especially at the quarterback position.
Following a disappointing season that ended with a 4-13 record, the Raiders had previously dismissed Tom Telesco as GM and Antonio Pierce as coach after just one season. With Carroll at the helm, there is a renewed sense of hope that the franchise can turn things around.
This appointment reflects the Raiders’ commitment to building a competitive team and reclaiming their place within the AFC West. Carroll’s leadership and experience are expected to be pivotal in guiding the Raiders through their ongoing challenges, signaling a new chapter of potential success for the organization.