How Pete Carroll’s Rough Year in Vegas Might’ve Set the Raiders Up for a Bright Future
When the Las Vegas Raiders hired Pete Carroll ahead of the 2025 season, the NFL world collectively raised an eyebrow. At 73, Carroll was set to become the oldest head coach in league history by Week 2, and the Raiders’ roster wasn’t exactly screaming “Super Bowl contender.” Still, the franchise went all-in, bringing in familiar faces like Geno Smith-who’d revived his career under Carroll in Seattle-in a clear push to win now.
But instead of a resurgence, the Raiders stumbled to a 3-14 finish, and Carroll was dismissed the day after the season ended. On paper, it looked like a failed experiment. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that Carroll’s brief, bumpy tenure might end up being a turning point for the franchise.
A Disconnect at the Top
One of the more telling storylines of the season was the apparent disconnect between Carroll and general manager John Spytek. While the team spiraled through a 10-game losing streak, Carroll leaned heavily on veterans, resisting any significant youth movement.
In fact, Ashton Jeanty was the only rookie to carve out a consistent role. That kind of approach, especially during a lost season, raised eyebrows.
The tension between old-school coaching and a front office looking to build for the future was hard to miss. And ultimately, it cost Carroll his job. But sometimes, short-term failure can spark long-term success.
The Kubiak Hire: A Quiet Power Move
The Raiders wasted no time hitting the reset button, and their first big move of the offseason was a strong one: hiring Klint Kubiak as head coach. Kubiak, fresh off a breakout stint as Seattle’s offensive coordinator, was one of the most sought-after names in this year’s coaching carousel. His offensive system turned heads in 2025, and now he’s tasked with bringing that same spark to Vegas.
It’s worth noting that Kubiak’s rise in Seattle wouldn’t have happened without Carroll stepping down from his role there. That move opened the door for Mike Macdonald to take over and bring Kubiak in as OC-an opportunity that helped Kubiak showcase his full potential. Now, that coaching chain reaction has landed him in Las Vegas.
The No. 1 Pick and the Mendoza Effect
Thanks to their dismal 2025 campaign, the Raiders now hold the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft. And all signs point to them targeting Fernando Mendoza-the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and a quarterback with the kind of upside that can change a franchise’s trajectory.
If Mendoza becomes the real deal, Raider Nation could end up looking back at Carroll’s year not as a disaster, but as the catalyst for something much bigger. Without that 3-14 collapse, they don’t land the top pick.
Without Carroll’s departure, they don’t get Kubiak. It’s a domino effect that could shape the next decade of Raiders football.
Kubiak’s Numbers Tell a Story
Kubiak didn’t just get attention because of his last name or coaching tree-his results in Seattle were undeniable. Before he arrived, the Seahawks were middle-of-the-pack offensively: 18th in scoring, 14th in total yards, and near the bottom in rushing production. Under Kubiak’s guidance, those numbers jumped dramatically-3rd in scoring, 8th in total yards, 10th in rushing yards, and 9th in rushing touchdowns.
That kind of leap speaks volumes about his ability to scheme, adapt, and get the most out of his personnel. And if he can pair that offensive mind with a young quarterback like Mendoza, the Raiders could be cooking with gas sooner than expected.
Carroll’s Legacy in Silver and Black
It’s a strange twist of fate. Carroll came to Vegas with hopes of one final run at glory-ten wins, a playoff push, a culture shift.
None of that materialized. But in failing to deliver, he may have inadvertently set the stage for a new era.
The Raiders now have a promising young coach, a potential franchise quarterback, and a clean slate. It’s not what Carroll intended, but it might end up being exactly what the franchise needed.
So while his time in Las Vegas was short and sour, the ripple effects of Pete Carroll’s tenure could echo in a much more positive tone down the line. Sometimes, you’ve got to hit bottom before you can rise-and the Raiders might just be on their way up.