Is the Pete Carroll Era in Las Vegas Already on the Clock? And Could Mike Tomlin Be the Answer?
Year one of the Pete Carroll experiment in Las Vegas has gone sideways-and then some. What was supposed to be a culture-resetting hire has instead left the Raiders looking more disjointed than ever. Now, just months into his tenure, the question isn't just if Carroll will return for a second season-it’s whether he should.
There are fans who’ll argue Carroll deserves more time. That building a new culture takes more than one season, especially with a roster that’s still in flux.
And sure, there’s some truth to that. But Carroll hasn’t exactly helped his own case.
From questionable in-game decisions to an increasingly strained relationship with the locker room and media, the signs of dysfunction haven’t been subtle.
The Coaching Carousel: Spinning Again?
Firing another head coach would make it three in three seasons for the Raiders-a pace that screams instability. But when the results are this underwhelming, the organization has to ask: Is continuity worth it if it’s built on a shaky foundation?
The challenge, of course, is replacing Carroll with someone who can actually move the needle. The 2026 coaching cycle doesn’t exactly feature a deep bench of slam-dunk candidates.
But that hasn’t stopped Raiders minority owner Tom Brady from swinging big before. Last offseason, he made it clear that he’s not afraid to chase marquee names for key roles in the organization.
And if the Carroll era ends early, expect Brady to be right back in the mix, leading the charge for another high-profile hire.
Enter Mike Tomlin?
One name that’s already starting to buzz in league circles is Mike Tomlin. And if he becomes available, the fit with Las Vegas is worth a serious look.
Tomlin’s résumé speaks for itself. He’s been the model of consistency in Pittsburgh, stringing together 18 straight non-losing seasons.
But in recent years, that streak has started to feel more like a stat than a sign of progress. The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since 2016, and after a rough Week 13 loss to Buffalo, the calls for change-while swiftly shut down-were louder than usual.
If Tomlin and the Steelers do part ways, whether by choice or circumstance, he won’t be short on options. He’s still just 53, with a ton of coaching years ahead of him if he wants them.
And if he doesn’t? A media career is waiting with open arms.
But assuming he stays on the sidelines, the Raiders could be an intriguing landing spot.
Why the Raiders Make Sense
There are a few reasons why Las Vegas could appeal to Tomlin. First, they’re projected to have significant cap space heading into 2026.
Second, they’re holding a top-five pick in April’s draft-prime real estate for a franchise-altering move. That kind of flexibility is rare, and it would give Tomlin and general manager John Spytek a chance to build something in their shared image.
But there’s a potential snag, and it’s one that’s already being talked about: Tom Brady.
As a minority owner, Brady holds influence-especially when it comes to football operations. And while he’s not calling plays or sitting in on every personnel meeting, his presence is felt.
That could be a turnoff for someone like Tomlin, who’s spent his entire head coaching career under the hands-off leadership of Art Rooney II. The idea of working in a more involved ownership structure might not be appealing.
That said, Brady’s day job as FOX’s lead analyst does limit how much he can actually be involved during the season. So the notion that his presence would be a dealbreaker for Tomlin might be overstated.
Tomlin vs. Carroll: Similar Shells, Different Substance?
At a glance, Tomlin and Carroll share some traits. Both are defensive-minded, both are known for their strong personalities, and both have been accused of being stubborn when it comes to staff decisions. But the energy is different.
Carroll’s tenure in Vegas has been marked by a sense of detachment-a “my way or the highway” vibe that hasn’t landed well. Tomlin, for all his rigidity, still commands respect in the locker room and has a proven track record of getting buy-in from his players. A change of scenery could rejuvenate him, and Vegas-with its open canvas and high stakes-might be just the place.
What Comes Next?
Moving on from Carroll after just one year would be a bold move. But bold might be exactly what the Raiders need. If Tomlin becomes available, and if there’s even a whisper of mutual interest through back channels, that could be the tipping point.
The Raiders don’t just need a head coach. They need a leader who can bring credibility, vision, and stability to a franchise that’s been spinning its wheels for far too long.
If Carroll isn’t that guy-and all signs suggest he isn’t-then it’s time to start thinking about who is. And if that person is Mike Tomlin, the Raiders better be ready to make the call.