When the Las Vegas Raiders appointed Pete Carroll as their new head coach, the reaction was mixed—many fans expressed concern over his age, as Carroll is 73 and will be 74 when the season begins—but age seems irrelevant when considering his decades-long track record of success, leadership, and passion for the game. Having coached in the NFL since 1990—the same year Public Enemy released Fear of a Black Planet—Carroll brings with him more than three decades of experience, including stints with the Jets, 49ers, Patriots, and a transformative run with the Seattle Seahawks. Critics who point to his age may overlook the fact that he’s arguably the second-best coach in the AFC West behind only Andy Reid. More importantly, Carroll is far from slowing down. Known for his energetic, hands-on approach, he remains deeply involved in practice, constantly mentoring young talent and leading with the same drive that fueled his past successes.
Carroll’s presence in Las Vegas signifies more than just a shift on the sidelines—it represents a cultural reset for a franchise that’s been plagued by instability and underachievement. No longer a team grasping for identity, the Raiders now have a proven leader who has consistently built winning programs, both in the NFL and at the collegiate level with USC. His philosophy—rooted in passion and love for coaching—has allowed him to stay relevant and effective in an ever-changing league. You could see his approach already at work during rookie minicamp, where his energy and focus on fundamentals stood out. Rather than being just a figurehead or motivational speaker, Carroll is a builder who knows how to shape a roster and guide a team toward sustainable success.
While he’s moved into more of a CEO-style role in recent years, Carroll hasn’t abandoned the defensive focus that defined much of his career. He’s collaborating with retained defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, showing he values continuity and seeks to elevate those already in the building, not just replace them. That’s a hallmark of Carroll’s leadership—he builds from within, develops talent, and sets high standards. The additions of quarterback Geno Smith and running back Ashton Jeanty further reflect a commitment to improvement and competition at every level. Simply put, Carroll isn’t here to maintain the status quo; he’s here to overhaul the mindset of a franchise in need of direction. And for the Raiders, that long-awaited shift has finally begun.
