The Future of the Las Vegas Raiders’ Coaching Staff

A growing consensus among fans and analysts suggests that Pete Carroll’s tenure as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders may be coming to an end. Many believe that Carroll could be a “one-and-done” coach in Las Vegas, with signs pointing toward his departure following the 2025 season.

According to reports from CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, it is expected that Carroll will be dismissed after Week 18 of the 2025 season. While some speculate that he might retire instead, the likelihood remains that the Raiders will begin a new coaching search this offseason. This development comes as the team appears poised for a major transformation, especially with their strong position to secure the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Owner Mark Davis has not yet made his decision known to anyone within the organization, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. However, their report confirms that a change on the sidelines is likely. With the potential for a top draft pick, the Raiders are expected to undergo a significant reset in the coming months.

Carroll has reportedly been fighting to remain in his role, but the 2025 season has been anything but smooth. The team has already fired two coordinators mid-season, and the offense has struggled throughout the campaign. Selecting a rookie at the top of the 2026 draft could provide the franchise with a fresh start, especially considering Carroll’s age of 74 and his lack of long-term viability for a full-scale rebuild.

The goal last offseason was to pursue a win-now strategy, with the hiring of first-year general manager John Spytek, minority owner Tom Brady, and veteran quarterback Geno Smith. However, the partnership between Carroll and Smith has not delivered the desired results. The Raiders currently sit at 14 losses, including a 10-game losing streak, which has led to increased scrutiny of both the coaching staff and quarterback options.

Tom Brady’s Influence on the Raiders’ Future

As the team prepares for a potential coaching change, Tom Brady is expected to play a central role in the evaluation process. According to Jonathan Jones, Jordan Schultz, and Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Brady will be heavily involved in both the search for a new head coach and the assessment of quarterback options.

Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, has long been seen as a key voice in the Raiders’ decision-making. Michael Silver of The Athletic (subscription required) notes that owner Mark Davis has treated Brady as the “de facto boss” of the team when it comes to football-related matters. Some within the organization have even questioned who is ultimately behind certain decisions due to the dynamic between Davis and Brady.

A Need for Stability

Despite the potential changes on the sidelines, stability in the front office would be welcomed by the Raiders. Over the years, the franchise has experienced frequent turnover in leadership roles, and a consistent approach could help restore confidence in the organization.

The cycle of coaching changes has defined the Raiders’ recent history, and it seems that another shift is on the horizon. Whether it leads to a new era of success or further uncertainty remains to be seen. For now, the focus will be on finding the right leader to guide the team into the future.

Key Points to Watch

• Coaching Search: The Raiders are expected to begin searching for a new head coach this offseason, with multiple sources suggesting that Pete Carroll may not return.
• Quarterback Evaluation: With Geno Smith underperforming, the team will need to assess its quarterback options, with Tom Brady playing a leading role in the process.
• Draft Strategy: The possibility of securing the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft could lead to a complete overhaul of the roster, especially if the team decides to move in a different direction.
• Leadership Dynamics: The relationship between owner Mark Davis and Tom Brady will continue to shape the team’s decisions, with some inside the organization unsure about the ultimate authority on football matters.
• Stability Goals: After years of constant change, the Raiders may look for a more stable leadership structure to build a successful future.

With so much uncertainty surrounding the future of the coaching staff, the next few months will be critical for the Las Vegas Raiders. The decisions made now could determine whether the team is on the path to success or heading toward another cycle of instability.