Pete Carroll Eyes 2026 Return After Raiders’ Struggling Season

The Las Vegas Raiders closed a tumultuous 2025 season with a narrow 14–12 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, snapping a 10-game losing streak but doing little to overshadow a historically poor campaign. Amid the victory, head coach Pete Carroll made clear he has no intention of stepping away from the NFL, putting to rest rumors that he might retire after a single season.

Carroll, 74, the oldest head coach in NFL history, has faced a season full of adversity, from quarterback instability to offensive struggles, and yet he remains committed to leading the Raiders into the 2026 season. His measured demeanor after the Week 18 win reflected a coach determined to control the narrative despite mounting questions about his tenure.

For the Raiders, the win was a rare bright spot in an otherwise grim year. Las Vegas finished 3–14, tying for the worst record in the league, and the victory over Kansas City was emblematic of the team’s season — low-scoring, chaotic, and dependent on special teams heroics.

As Carroll addresses both fans and the media, the questions surrounding his future and the franchise’s path forward remain pressing, with ownership and management now tasked with evaluating what comes next while he signals his desire to continue coaching.

1. Carroll’s Commitment

In the wake of Sunday’s win, Carroll’s responses to questions about his future were unequivocal. Asked if he planned to return next season, he replied, “Of course, sure, of course.” When prompted about retirement, he emphasized that no discussions had taken place: “Nobody’s talked to me about that. I haven’t said a word to anybody.” Speculation had been mounting all season. Insider reports suggested that Carroll might be a “one-and-done” hire, potentially stepping down or being dismissed after the disappointing year. Instead, Carroll’s statements make clear that he intends to resume coaching despite the record-setting struggles. His declaration is especially noteworthy given the physical and mental demands of the NFL, as well as the uncertainty surrounding the Raiders’ roster and overall team performance. At 75 next season, Carroll would become the oldest active head coach in league history. For now, Carroll’s words serve as a signal to the Raiders organization, the media, and fans that he is prepared to confront the challenges of rebuilding a franchise that has underperformed on multiple fronts.

2. Struggles on the Field

The Week 18 victory highlighted many of the Raiders’ issues this season. With Geno Smith inactive, rookie Kenny Pickett started but struggled, completing only 1 of 4 passes before being replaced by Aidan O’Connell, who finished 10-of-22 for 102 yards. No offensive touchdowns were scored; all 14 points came via Daniel Carlson’s field goals, including a 60-yarder in the final seconds that secured the win. Las Vegas’ offense struggled all season, ranking last in rushing and failing to establish consistency. Chip Kelly was fired as offensive coordinator in November, leaving a team still searching for rhythm under Carroll’s direction. Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty finished the season just shy of 1,000 rushing yards, while also contributing 10 total touchdowns. Quarterback play remained a key concern. Smith, acquired from Seattle, threw 17 interceptions and was far from his Pro Bowl form, contributing to Las Vegas ranking as the second-worst offense in the NFL according to PFSN’s Offense Impact Metric, with a rating of 56.5. Despite flashes of promise, the team’s performance consistently fell short of expectations, leaving Carroll with a significant rebuilding task as he looks ahead to 2026.

3. Carroll’s Legacy and the Path Forward

Carroll’s career spans three decades and multiple levels of football. He began as the New York Jets’ head coach in 1994, moved to the Patriots in 1997, and later coached at USC before returning to the NFL with Seattle in 2010. During 14 seasons with the Seahawks, he led the team to 10 playoff appearances, multiple NFC West titles, two NFC championships, and a Super Bowl victory in 2013. His brief tenure in Las Vegas, however, has been defined by struggles on and off the field. The 3–14 record represents the lowest finish of Carroll’s 19-year head coaching career, prompting questions about how much of the roster he can shape and the role ownership will play in evaluating the team’s direction. Las Vegas minority owner Tom Brady is expected to have significant input in the coaching discussion alongside general manager John Spytek, though Carroll’s statements make clear that he plans to remain in place for the upcoming season. While much of the focus will be on roster moves and quarterback decisions in the offseason, Carroll’s experience and confidence suggest he is willing to tackle the challenges of a struggling franchise head-on, signaling a commitment to redemption in 2026.