The Oakland Raiders are on the verge of making a significant coaching decision, and it seems increasingly likely that head coach Pete Carroll will not be returning for another season. This sentiment is echoed by the strong majority of readers from Pro Football Rumors, suggesting that many anticipate Carroll’s tenure as head coach in Las Vegas will come to an abrupt end after just one year.
Recent reports indicate that Carroll is expected to be let go following the conclusion of Week 18, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones. There’s also speculation from NFL insider Jordan Schultz that Carroll may choose to retire instead of facing dismissal. Regardless of how it unfolds, it appears that the Raiders are gearing up for yet another extensive search for a new head coach.
As it stands, owner Mark Davis has remained tight-lipped about his preferences within the organization, as noted by Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero from NFL Network. However, the consensus is clear: Carroll is likely to be replaced this offseason. With the Raiders positioned to secure the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a significant overhaul seems inevitable in the coming months.
Carroll, aged 74, has been trying to advocate for his position, fighting hard for at least one more year with the team. The 2025 season has proved tumultuous, marked by the mid-season firings of two offensive coordinators. The team's offensive struggles have been glaring throughout the year, prompting discussions that selecting a rookie quarterback early in the draft could facilitate a fresh start for the franchise as they move into 2026 and beyond. Given Carroll’s age, he does not fit the profile of a coach who would lead a long-term rebuilding effort.
Last offseason, the goal was to create a competitive team immediately, with Carroll brought in alongside first-time general manager John Spytek, minority owner Tom Brady, and veteran quarterback Geno Smith. However, the anticipated reunion between Carroll and Smith has not produced the sought-after outcomes. Currently, the Raiders find themselves with a staggering 14 losses, including a disheartening streak of 10 consecutive defeats. If a coaching change occurs, the evaluation of both coaching staff and quarterback options will become a pressing priority for the Raiders.
Notably, there are insights from Jones, Schultz, and Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated suggesting that Tom Brady will play a pivotal role not only in the search for a new head coach but also in assessing quarterback possibilities. As a seven-time Super Bowl champion, Brady has established himself as a key decision-maker within the Raiders organization, and this influence is expected to continue well into the future. As Michael Silver of The Athletic observes, Davis has effectively treated Brady as the “de facto boss” regarding football operations, leading to some uncertainty among those within the organization about who is truly driving certain decisions due to the intertwined dynamics between Davis and Brady.
For the Raiders, gaining stability in the front office would certainly be beneficial, especially considering the frequent changes that have characterized their management over the years. The franchise has been caught in a cycle of coaching turnovers, and it now appears another reset is on the horizon.
