Pete Carroll stood at the podium after the Raiders’ season-ending 14-12 win over the Kansas City Chiefs and made his intentions clear: he wants to be back as head coach in Las Vegas next season. But the decision rests with owner Mark Davis, minority owner Tom Brady, and general manager John Spytek.
“Sure, of course I would,” Carroll said when asked if he wanted to return. The 74-year-old coach, who led the Raiders to a 3-14 record in his first season, spoke with the optimism of someone ready to rebuild. “I imagine when we come back and put it all together again, and we get better, and we have more competition, and the roster gets harder to make,” he said. “There’s a good foundation of mentality for us to go forward.”
Carroll’s future is uncertain. The Raiders secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft with the win, and are expected to select a quarterback — possibly Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza or Oregon’s Dante Moore. Pairing a rookie QB with a 74-year-old coach on a two-year contract may not align with the organization’s long-term vision. A younger, offensive-minded coach like Sean McVay, Liam Coen, or Dave Canales could be the alternative.
Carroll said he has not discussed his status with anyone. “Nobody’s talking to me about that,” he said. “I haven’t said a word to anybody.”
The season tested Carroll like none before. “The most challenging part was to maintain the mentality that we’re trying to teach and stand for when you don’t have the rewards of the wins,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve ever coached this hard as I did this year.”
Kicker Daniel Carlson, who made the game-winning 60-yard field goal, voiced support for Carroll. “That’s way above my pay grade, but yeah. We love Pete, and he’s been incredible to work with,” Carlson said. “I’ve been around a few different coaches, and he’s top of the list.”
