The Las Vegas Raiders announced on Monday the dismissal of Head Coach Pete Carroll following the team's 3-14 regular season record. Carroll's tenure with the franchise concluded after a single season, which resulted in the team securing the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Dismissal Details
Pete Carroll's dismissal was confirmed on Monday, concluding his first season as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. The team finished the 2025 NFL regular season with a 3-14 record, tying for the league's worst record and, when factoring in strength of schedule, ranking last in the league. This outcome positioned the Raiders to hold the No. 1 overall selection in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Carroll, who was 74 years old during his Raiders tenure, had previously expressed an intention to return and had not discussed retirement following the season finale.
2025 Season Overview and Team Performance
Under Carroll, the Raiders' 2025 season commenced with a victory against the New England Patriots, but the team recorded only two additional wins throughout the year. The offense ranked last in the NFL in both total points and total yards. The team's rushing offense also ranked last in the league. Quarterback Geno Smith threw 17 interceptions, leading the league in that category, and was sacked 55 times, tying for the league lead.
In-season coaching changes included the dismissal of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly after a November 23 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Kelly had been hired in the offseason as the league's highest-paid offensive coordinator. Special teams coordinator Tom McMahon was also dismissed midseason. The team's season concluded with a 14-12 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, which ended a ten-game losing streak. Following the season, Carroll expressed disappointment with the outcome.
Pete Carroll's Coaching Career
Carroll's tenure with the Raiders marked his return to the NFL sidelines after 14 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. He resigned from his Seattle head coaching role following the 2023 season. With the Seahawks, he achieved a 137-89-1 regular-season record and a 10-9 postseason mark, including a Super Bowl title following the 2013 season. His coaching career also includes two national championships at the University of Southern California (USC), one of which was later vacated, and prior NFL head coaching positions with the New York Jets and New England Patriots.
The 3-14 record of the 2025 season represents Carroll's least successful season in 19 years as an NFL head coach and only the third instance of him leading a team to double-digit losses. His previous records include 6-10 with the Jets in 1994 and 7-10 with the Seahawks in 2021. During his nine seasons at USC, he never achieved fewer than six wins.
Organizational Leadership and Future Direction
General Manager John Spytek, hired last offseason, will retain his position and oversee football operations. He is tasked with leading the search for the club's next head coach in collaboration with minority owner Tom Brady. Brady's ownership stake was approved in October 2024. The organization anticipates selecting a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft. Majority owner Mark Davis confirmed that Spytek and Brady will guide football decisions, focusing on leadership, culture, and alignment with the organization's long-term vision and goals.
Historical Context and Coaching Search
This dismissal marks the second consecutive year the Raiders will initiate a coaching search. The incoming coach will be the fifth full-time head coach for the franchise since 2021, and the fifth permanent coach since the team relocated to Las Vegas in 2020. Carroll was appointed in January to succeed Antonio Pierce, who served as interim coach in 2024 and concluded his tenure with a 4-13 record before his dismissal.
The Raiders have made two playoff appearances in the 23 years since their Super Bowl XXXVII appearance and have not secured a playoff victory since the 2002 AFC Championship Game. The AFC West division is recognized as one of the stronger divisions in professional football.
Player Reaction
Defensive end Maxx Crosby addressed the coaching change, stating he learned of the decision while at the team facility. Crosby commented that the season's performance did not meet expectations for players or coaches. He acknowledged Carroll's extensive coaching career, citing his consistency, a Super Bowl victory, and a national championship win at USC. Crosby stated Carroll had consistently been positive in their interactions.