(Video) ‘Confident’ Pete Carroll Claims His Job Isn’t at Risk Despite Raiders’ 2-12 Start

Pete Carroll claimed that he's not worried about his job in Vegas as he wants to see through the rebuild in the aftermath of a disastrous 2-12 season.

(Video) ‘Confident’ Pete Carroll Claims His Job Isn’t at Risk Despite Raiders’ 2-12 Start

Pete Carroll claimed his job isn't at risk (Image via IMAGO/X)

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As Pete Carroll’s first year as the Las Vegas Raiders’ coach winds down, it’s fair to speculate about his future with the organization. The Raiders are 2-12 after losing 31-0 against the Philadelphia Eagles last week.

Some coaches don’t survive with such a record. The NFL is all about results, and owners mainly focus on the current state of the team. It won’t come as a surprise if Mark Davis fires the 74-year-old before the year closes out.

Carroll is very much aware of the implications, but he’s tasted enough waters to remain poised in the face of adversity. On Monday, Carroll spoke to reporters and gave a calm response regarding whether he feels he’s on the hot seat.

I don’t feel like that [I will be fired] at all. I’m well beyond that.

There are still two more years left in his three-year $15 million AAV contract. He plans to see the project through until then.

The Raiders have regressed under Pete Carroll’s coaching

Carroll has a rich CV that deserves respect. He may not be an offensive guru, but he’s an all-encompassing CEO-type coach who knows how to develop quarterbacks—Russell Wilson and Geno Smith.

(Video) 'Confident' Pete Carroll Claims His Job Isn't at Risk Despite Raiders' 2-12 Start
Pete Carroll (Image via IMAGO)

Carroll brought Smith from Seattle as his QB1. It’s safe to say that the move hasn’t been beneficial. Smith has thrown the second-most interceptions (14) in the league and suffered a shoulder injury in week 14. Kenny Pickett made his debut against the Eagles and threw below 70 passing yards in four quarters of football.

According to Josh Dubow of the Associated Press, the Raiders’ 75 yards (total) against the Eagles was the league’s lowest since Arizona gained 58 against Cleveland on Nov. 5, 2023. On an even more serious note, the Raiders became the first team in 33 years to gain less than 100 yards twice in the same season.

That loss left the Raiders with a 434-434-6 (since the 1970 NFL merger). The state of Raiders football has regressed.

As for the positives, Carroll and general manager John Spytek have $106 million in cap space to work with next season, and currently hold the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Carroll has a knack for spotting and recruiting top talent. If the Raiders want to change their fortunes, they need to make smart use of the resources they have.

Building blocks of the Raiders roster

A couple of players have already stepped up this year. Notably, pass rusher Devin White. The 27-year-old has racked up a staggering 149 tackles and 10 tackles for loss (most since posting 15 in 2020 for the Buccaneers).

Then there’s Mr Raider himself, Maxx Crosby. Crosby punched his 10th sack of the season–4 consecutive 10 sack season. He tied Haason Reddick (4) and Trey Hendrickson (4) for the fifth most seasons of 10.0+ sacks since 2019.

The Pro Bowler recorded his 26th tackle for loss, surpassing Aaron Donald (25) for the sixth most tackles for loss in a single season by a defensive lineman since 2000. This bumped his total to 131 tackles for loss since joining the league in 2019, moving him past Ndamukong Suh (130) for the ninth-most by a defensive lineman since 2000.

Crosby signed a three-year $106.5 million contract extension in the last offseason, so he isn’t leaving Sin City anytime soon.

Brock Bowers is another player who must take a big step in year three. His numbers dipped this year compared to his rookie season (A rookie tight end NFL record with 112 receptions, 1,194 yards and 5 touchdowns). In an injury-hit season, Bowers has racked up 53 catches for 619 yards and 6 touchdowns in 10 games. The Raiders finish out the year by facing the Texans, the Giants and the Chiefs.

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