Following a year-long sabbatical, many assumed it was the start of retirement, but coaching legend Pete Carroll is back on the sidelines. His return comes unexpectedly at the helm of the Las Vegas Raiders. Heading into Sunday’s matchup with the Washington Commanders, the Raiders are 1-1, but the sight of Carroll in silver and black is still getting used to, especially for one of his most famous former players.
Former USC Trojans Star Gives Thoughts on Pete Carroll Coaching the Raiders
Quarterback Carson Palmer played for two seasons under Pete Carroll at USC, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2002. During his 14-year NFL career, Palmer also spent two campaigns with the Raiders in Oakland. Palmer recently discussed seeing his college coach on the sidelines for his former team.
“It’s weird seeing him in silver and black after seeing him in the Cardinal and gold,” Palmer said recently. “It’s a little weird at first and I’m not quite used to it.”
The Raiders have had five head coaches, including interims, since relocating to Las Vegas in 2020. The team has had nine head coaches since Raiders owner Mark Davis took the helm after his father, Al Davis, died in 2011.
Since reaching Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003, the Raiders haven’t won a playoff game. They’ve only had two postseason appearances during that 22-season span. Over the past four go-rounds, Las Vegas has combined 36-48.
“Just knowing the man that he is, I know he’s going to turn that franchise around,” Palmer said. “They’ve got a good team. He’s done a really good job of bringing that organization together. He brought in some really good players and has a really strong staff from Chip Kelly on down.”
Palmer went 8-16 as the Raiders’ starting passer, throwing for 6,771 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions. He’s remembered more for his time with the Cincinnati Bengals and the Arizona Cardinals.
Carroll, who developed a juggernaut with USC, is one of three head coaches who won a college national championship and a Super Bowl crown. He reconnected with one of his former Seattle Seahawks signal-callers, Geno Smith, via a trade, then selected former Boise State star tailback Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 overall choice of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Neither Smith nor Jeanty has gotten off to a swift start. Smith has thrown for just one touchdown and four picks thus far, while Jeanty averages 2.7 yards per carry on 30 totes.
