What's happened
The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to replace head coach Pete Carroll after a 2-14 season, which is likely to end with the league’s worst record. The team is heading toward the No. 1 draft pick, with Carroll’s future uncertain. The decision is expected after the season concludes Sunday.
What's behind the headline?
The Raiders' poor performance under Carroll signals a likely leadership change, driven by the team's desire to secure the top draft pick and rebuild. The decision to fire Carroll appears imminent, with reports indicating he will be replaced after the final game. This move aligns with the franchise's pattern of frequent coaching changes, and the new coach will inherit a team with significant draft capital. The focus on drafting a top quarterback suggests a strategic shift towards rebuilding around new talent, which could reshape the franchise's future. The decision also reflects broader NFL trends where teams prioritize long-term rebuilding over short-term stability, especially after consecutive poor seasons.
What the papers say
The New York Post reports that Pete Carroll is likely to be fired after the Raiders' final game, citing league insiders and recent team performance. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport have highlighted the team's poor record and the likelihood of a coaching change, especially with the No. 1 draft pick in sight. The articles emphasize the team's dysfunction and the strategic move to rebuild around new talent, particularly a top quarterback. The coverage also notes that owner Mark Davis has not yet made an official decision, but indications point toward a leadership reset. The contrasting opinions focus on whether Carroll's departure is inevitable or if the team might consider retaining him, but the prevailing consensus suggests a change is imminent.
How we got here
Pete Carroll was hired to stabilize the Raiders after a poor 2024 season, but his first year resulted in a league-worst record. The team started with high hopes, including acquiring quarterback Geno Smith, but lost 14 of 15 games. The franchise is now in rebuild mode, with the No. 1 draft pick likely to be used on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
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Maxx Robert Crosby is an American football defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League. He played college football at Eastern Michigan and was drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
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The Las Vegas Raiders are a professional American football team based in the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The Raiders compete in the National Football League as a member club of the league's American Football Conference West division.
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Peter Clay Carroll (born September 15, 1951) is an American professional football coach who is the head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as head coach for USC (2001–2009), the New York Jets (199