Pete Carroll Emerges as Top Contender for Raiders Head Coaching Job

Former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll is gaining significant momentum as a top candidate for the Las Vegas Raiders‘ head coaching position, according to reports. Carroll, who led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory, is set to interview with the Raiders next week as the franchise seeks a new leader following a disappointing 4-13 season in 2024.

The Raiders parted ways with interim head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco earlier this week, marking the third consecutive year the team will enter the season with a new head coach-general manager combination. Carroll, 73, brings a wealth of experience, having spent 14 seasons with the Seahawks, where he compiled a 137-89-1 regular-season record and secured 10 playoff wins.

Carroll’s potential hiring is seen as a stabilizing move for the Raiders, who are in need of a proven leader to rebuild their culture. “A lot of momentum is building for Pete Carroll,” said Vincent Bonsignore, a Raiders reporter, in a social media post. “In many ways, he is exactly what they need right now. Likely with a protegee/successor that comes on board with him.”

Carroll’s tenure in Seattle included back-to-back Super Bowl appearances, with the Seahawks defeating the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII and narrowly losing to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX. His coaching career also includes a national championship with USC and previous NFL stints with the New England Patriots and New York Jets.

The Raiders are expected to consider multiple candidates, including former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. However, Carroll’s track record of success and leadership qualities make him a strong contender for the role.

Carroll has been out of coaching since stepping down from the Seahawks at the end of the 2023 season. His return to the NFL would mark a significant development for the Raiders, who are eager to turn around their fortunes after years of instability.