HENDERSON, Nev. — On Saturday, the Las Vegas Raiders made it official by announcing Pete Carroll as their new head coach. The organization is optimistic that the 73-year-old, who holds the title of the oldest head coach in the NFL, will bring much-needed stability to a franchise that has struggled in recent times.
Carroll and the Raiders came to an agreement on a three-year contract with an additional one-year option for the team, as disclosed by a source familiar with the matter, who preferred to remain unnamed due to the deal still being in the finalization process. Specifics about the contract itself were not made public.
Before the formal announcement, the Raiders teased fans on social media with a photo of chewing gum, a nod to Carroll’s well-known habit during games, set against the backdrop of their practice facility.
Carroll takes over from Antonio Pierce, who was let go following a disappointing 4-13 season. Pierce had shown some promise with a 5-4 record as interim coach earlier in 2023 after taking over from Josh McDaniels.
The Raiders are hopeful that Carroll can replicate the success he achieved with the Seattle Seahawks, where he guided the team to two Super Bowl appearances, clinching the championship in the 2013 season. Under Carroll’s leadership, the Seahawks came within a single interception of securing back-to-back titles.
During his tenure with Seattle, which spanned 14 years, Carroll compiled a record of 137 wins, 89 losses, and 1 tie.
With this hire, Carroll becomes the 14th head coach for the Raiders since Jon Gruden was traded to Tampa Bay back in 2002. He is also the fifth head coach—counting interim roles—since the team relocated to Las Vegas in 2020.
Carroll launched his NFL head coaching journey with the New York Jets in 1994, ending that season with a 6-10 record. He went on to post a 27-21 record with the New England Patriots over three seasons from 1997 to 1999 before joining the Seahawks in 2010 after a successful collegiate coaching stint at the University of Southern California. During his collegiate career, he led the Trojans to a national championship in 2004 and claimed the AP national title in 2003.
Overall, Carroll’s NFL coaching record stands at 170 wins, 120 losses, and 1 tie, marking him as an experienced leader.
With this appointment, Carroll will also become the third coach in NFL history since 1940 to oversee at least four different teams, joining notable figures like Bill Parcells and Marty Schottenheimer.
