While multiple NFL vacancies were filled by young up-and-coming assistants, the Las Vegas Raiders opted for someone with more of a proven track record.
According to various sources, long-time NFL coach Pete Carroll was reportedly hired to be the head coach of the Raiders on Friday morning. Carroll, 73, signed a three-year deal with a team option for another year.
Carroll immediately gives this franchise credibility. He’s one of the few coaches to have won a National Title in college and a Super Bowl in the NFL. Carroll rebuilt Seattle into a legitimate franchise with annual postseason aspirations. The hope is he can do the same for Las Vegas — a team starved for some stability.
This comes on the heels of the Raiders signing Josh Spytek from Tampa Bay to be their new General Manager. With a completely revamped front office and coaching staff, it will be fascinating to see how Las Vegas attacks the offseason from a personnel standpoint.
The QB position is a major area of need. Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew are back-up level players at best. Maxx Crosby could command a king’s ransom in terms of picks to help replenish the roster depth should the Raiders opt to move in that direction.
At the very least, those who support the Raiders should feel a sense of optimism for the first time in a while considering there’s an intentional direction now put in place.