Pete Carroll is fired by Las Vegas Raiders in Nevada after finishing season with worst record in NFL

Pete Carroll’s short-lived tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders came to a sudden end on Monday, marking a dramatic turn for the legendary coach and the struggling franchise.

Reports from ESPN insider Adam Schefter confirmed the firing, just one season into the three-year deal Carroll signed before the 2025 campaign.

A Storied Career Hits a Rough Patch

Carroll, 74, who famously won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks and two national championships at USC, couldn’t translate that success to Las Vegas.

The Raiders finished with a dismal 3-14 record, the worst in the NFL, prompting owner Mark Davis to call for a new direction.

In a statement, Davis said the focus moving forward will be on leadership, culture, and alignment with the team’s long-term vision.

Tom Brady’s Growing Role in Raiders Football

Minority owner Tom Brady was present at the Raiders’ Henderson, Nevada facility on Monday and is expected to have a bigger say in football operations alongside general manager John Spytek.

While rumors swirled about Bill Belichick possibly returning to NFL head coaching, the legendary Patriots coach is firmly committed to North Carolina.

Instead, Brady is believed to be exploring Patriots connections, including former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll or Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Flores, as potential replacements for Carroll.

Draft Implications and a New Quarterback

Las Vegas has the first pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, secured after the Giants defeated the Cowboys last weekend.

The spotlight is on potential franchise quarterbacks, with Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore leading the conversation.

Many fans have already pegged Mendoza as the presumptive number one pick, thanks to his near-perfect performance in the Rose Bowl against Alabama, where he threw three touchdown passes on just 16 attempts.

Mendoza’s Rise Sparks Excitement

Despite modest yardage — 193 yards against a top defense — Mendoza’s efficiency and decision-making have made him a fan favorite.

His 87.5 percent completion rate and smart play have impressed fans not just in Nevada, but nationwide, with even Dolphins supporters calling for a trade to secure him.

Mendoza still has the postseason, Pro Day, and the NFL Scouting Combine to further prove himself, while Dante Moore remains a potential alternative with a strong Orange Bowl showing.

Carroll’s NFL Legacy

Carroll’s time with the Raiders wa

s his fourth NFL head coaching stint, following 14 memorable years in Seattle, three unremarkable seasons with the Patriots, and a brief stop with the Jets in 1994. While his Raiders experiment ended abruptly, Carroll’s legacy in football — from Super Bowl

riumphs to college championships — remains secure.

What Comes Next for the Raiders

The Raiders now face the challenge of quickly hiring a new head coach capable of working with a likely rookie quarterback and turning around a team that struggled all season.

Options like Daboll and Flores could inject new energy, while Tom Brady’s involvement suggests the franchise is aiming for strategic continuity and long-term growth rather than another short-term experiment.

Looking Ahead to a Fresh Start

With the NFL Draft looming on April 24 in Pittsburgh, the Raiders have a chance to reshape their future.

A new coach, paired with a potential top quarterback pick, could signal the beginning of a new era in Las Vegas, leaving Carroll’s one-year tenure as a cautionary tale about how even the most celebrated coaches can struggle in a volatile NFL environment.

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