Just when everyone thought Pete Carroll was happily settling into his post-coaching life, enjoying advisory duties from the sidelines, a surprise twist pulled him right back into the heart of the NFL. And the reason? None other than Tom Brady.
At 73, Carroll had stepped away from the Seattle Seahawks, closing a chapter on a legendary coaching run.
But a new chapter opened when the Las Vegas Raiders came calling—and Brady was already there, not on the field, but in the boardroom.
Tom Brady’s Arrival Changed Everything for Carroll
Carroll recently opened up about what pulled him back into coaching, and he made it clear: it was Brady who tipped the scales.
Speaking on the Brock & Salk Show, Carroll said that the moment Brady joined the Raiders as a minority owner, his entire perspective on the franchise shifted.
“When Tom came on board here, it changed my outlook on coming here,” Carroll said.
“I thought that would be one of the great opportunities of all time, to have his presence. His presence is strong.”
A Powerful Partnership Rooted in Respect
Brady isn’t just a figurehead in Vegas—his influence is being felt across the organization.
Carroll talked about how Brady’s approach to the game is something the Raiders are eager to embrace.
“[General manager] John Spytek and him go back a ton of years, and Johnny holds him in the highest regard,” Carroll explained. “So we’re trying to infuse Tom’s mentality.
It’s so good and so unique and so one-of-a-kind—I think it helps us be a one-of-a-kind franchise.”
From Super Bowl Rivals to Strategic Allies
It’s quite the full-circle moment for Carroll and Brady.
They were once on opposite sidelines during one of the most unforgettable Super Bowls in history—Super Bowl XLIX in 2015—where Malcolm Butler’s game-sealing interception made headlines and created a lasting legacy.
Now, the two football giants are teaming up to build something new in Las Vegas.
Brady’s Role Behind the Scenes
While Brady may not be in the coach’s box or on the practice field, he’s still very much involved.
Carroll described their relationship as “pretty regular” and mentioned they stay connected often, even if Brady hasn’t physically been around much.
“We’re phone buddies,” Carroll said with a smile.
“He hasn’t been out here but one time since we’ve been here, but we’ve talked a ton of times.”
Philosophical Sync Between Two Legends
Carroll seemed genuinely excited about the kind of football brainpower he gets to share ideas with on a regular basis.
“Talking philosophy with Tom—you can imagine what a thrill that is.
He’s the all-time competitor,” Carroll said. “It’s not just how he played.
It’s how he lived, how he sees the world, how he attacks every opportunity. We’re so eye to eye on that.”
He added that bringing Brady’s mentality into the Raiders’ DNA has already been one of the most enjoyable challenges of his coaching return.
A Big Challenge in a Loaded Division
Of course, Carroll knows he’s walking into a tough spot.
The AFC West is one of the most competitive divisions in football.
Every other team made the playoffs last season—except the Raiders.
But with Brady in the ownership suite and Carroll back on the sideline, there’s hope that Vegas might have the right combination of leadership to turn things around.
Two Veterans, One Vision
If anyone knows how to make the most of a partnership between a legendary quarterback and an older coach, it’s Brady.
And now, he’s doing it from the executive level, helping guide a seasoned coaching mind like Carroll into this next big challenge.
Their alliance might just be the spark the Raiders need to become true contenders again.