Pete Carroll Fired by Raiders After One Disastrous Season: End of an Era?
The Las Vegas Raiders have officially parted ways with head coach Pete Carroll, ending his brief and tumultuous tenure after just one season. The move, announced by owner Mark Davis on the NFL’s “Black Monday,” follows a dismal 3-14 record in 2025, the worst of Carroll’s storied career. This marks the second consecutive year the 74-year-old coach has been fired, raising serious questions about the future of the NFL’s oldest active coach.
Carroll’s firing by the Raiders comes barely a year after his shocking departure from the Seattle Seahawks, where he built a legacy that included a Super Bowl XLVIII victory. His attempt to reignite his coaching career in the desert ended in spectacular failure, with the Raiders securing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft—a factor that reportedly sealed his fate as the franchise eyes a new leader for its future cornerstone player.
The Numbers Behind the Dismissal
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The decision was a straightforward one based on performance. Carroll’s Raiders were not just bad; they were historically uncompetitive for a coach of his pedigree. The stark contrast between his overall legacy and his single season in Las Vegas is captured in the stats below.
| Team | Season(s) | Record | Win Percentage | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Seahawks | 2010-2024 | 172-134-1 | 56.2% | Super Bowl XLVIII Champion |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 2025 | 3-14 | 17.6% | Secured No. 1 Overall Draft Pick |
Why Did the Raiders Move On So Quickly?
Reports suggest the Raiders’ front office had been planning for this outcome for weeks. The team’s clear “tank” strategy down the stretch to secure the top draft pick was reportedly executed with the understanding that a new coach would be desired to develop the future franchise quarterback or defensive star.
“My sense is that a lot of people are watching Las Vegas for the potential that Pete Carroll is one-and-done with the Raiders,” ESPN’s Dan Graziano wrote prior to the firing. The speculation proved accurate, indicating the decision was as much about future planning as it was about 2025’s results.
Furthermore, rumors have swirled about potential high-profile replacements, including former quarterback Tom Brady taking on a front office or coaching role. The Raiders’ search is expected to be aggressive and focused on a modern offensive mind to pair with their new draft capital.
The Seattle Connection: A Potential Replacement Emerges
In a twist of fate, one of the leading candidates to replace Carroll in Las Vegas has direct ties to his former team. Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has emerged as a hot name in head coaching circles after orchestrating a significant offensive turnaround in Seattle under Mike Macdonald.
Kubiak, 38, is also a candidate for the Atlanta Falcons vacancy, creating a potential bidding war. His innovative scheme and development of quarterback Geno Smith have made him a sought-after commodity. Analysts like Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report explicitly predicted the Raiders would fire Carroll and target Kubiak, a prophecy that is now half-fulfilled.
What’s Next for Pete Carroll?
At 74, the future is uncertain for the eternally energetic coach. After being removed from the Seahawks, he was adamant about continuing to coach, leading to his $106.5 million MXN, three-year deal with the Raiders. That dream has lasted only one season. While he expressed a desire to return to Las Vegas in 2026, the choice was taken out of his hands.
It is unclear if another NFL team will offer a head coaching role to a septuagenarian coming off the worst season of his career. Carroll may transition into a front office advisory role, or perhaps finally step away from the game altogether, closing the book on one of the most distinctive and successful coaching runs of the 21st century.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Pete Carroll’s record with the Las Vegas Raiders?
Pete Carroll’s Raiders finished the 2025 NFL season with a 3-14 record, the worst of his head coaching career. This performance earned the team the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Who might replace Pete Carroll as Raiders head coach?
Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is considered a leading candidate. Other names will likely emerge, and rumors have also linked former QB Tom Brady to a potential executive role that could influence the coaching search.
How long was Pete Carroll with the Raiders?
Pete Carroll lasted just one season with the Las Vegas Raiders. He was hired in 2025 and fired on January 5, 2026, after the regular season concluded.
What is Pete Carroll’s overall NFL head coaching record?
Including his time with the New York Jets, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, and Las Vegas Raiders, Pete Carroll’s career regular-season head coaching record is 175-148-1.