Pete Carroll's return to the NFL has taken the sports world by storm. The longtime coach, known for his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, has signed on as the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. At 73 years old, Carroll is stepping back onto the sidelines after spending the past year out of coaching, marking this comeback as one of the most significant coaching changes this offseason.
Looking to revamp the Raiders, who have faced challenges over the past few seasons, Carroll is expected to focus heavily on building up the team's overall structure. His expertise, rooted primarily in defense, suggests the Raiders' offense will be entrusted to someone else. Enter Chip Kelly, who has just been named the Raiders' new offensive coordinator. The seasoned coach, who previously enjoyed success with the Ohio State Buckeyes, brings both college and professional football experience to the table.
Kelly had mixed results previously coaching the NFL, most famously leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a playoff berth during his first year; he struggled with the San Francisco 49ers, finishing his time there with a dismal 2-14 record. After three seasons with the Eagles, he was unceremoniously fired from the Niners after just one year. This latest endeavor with the Raiders offers Kelly another chance to prove himself at the professional level, and he will aim to develop the relatively underwhelming talent available.
Among the Raiders' offensive players, tight end Brock Bowers stands out as the sole superstar, shattering multiple rookie records. Yet, the team lacks a franchise quarterback at this juncture, raising questions about how effectively Kelly can mobilize the offense. The challenge begins as Carroll and Kelly work together to redefine the Raiders’ identity moving forward.
The connection between Carroll and former quarterback Russell Wilson has emerged as another key storyline. During their time with the Seahawks, the duo achieved significant success, culminating with their triumph at Super Bowl XLVIII. But when Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos after the 2021 season, it marked the beginning of separate paths for both men. Now, as Carroll starts anew with the Raiders, speculation has begun to swirl about the possibility of Wilson reuniting with his old coach.
The ideal fit could be on the radar, particularly since the Raiders are currently without standout quarterback talent. Wilson, now 36, is considered a viable upgrade compared to the Raiders’ existing options like Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell. With Wilson’s one-year deal with the Steelers expiring soon, the chances of him playing under Carroll again increase.
Wilson addressed these rumors during the Pro Bowl Games, emphasizing his desire to remain with the Pittsburgh Steelers. “I look forward to hopefully going back to the Steelers next year. We’ll see about everything else,” he stated when speaking with the Associated Press. Wilson's future hangs delicately between him and Steelers President Art Rooney, who hinted at the team’s interest in Wilson and younger quarterback Justin Fields, complicate matters. If the Steelers opt for Fields, Wilson might find himself needing other options, opening the door for reuniting with Carroll.
Should this reunion happen, it could greatly benefit both players and the Raiders organization, as the experience and chemistry they previously shared could disrupt the Raiders' recent trends of mediocrity.
The NFL offseason continues to heat up with these intriguing coaching shifts. Fans will be closely watching as Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly implement their game plans for the Raiders, and whether Wilson will add to the drama by returning to the fold or choosing to carve his path elsewhere. One thing is for certain, the hiring of Carroll—along with Kelly's arrival—signals the Raiders' intent to reestablish themselves as contenders this coming season.