The Las Vegas Raiders have officially dismissed head coach Pete Carroll after a disastrous 3-14 campaign, ending the veteran coach's tenure after just one season. In a move that signals a significant shift in the franchise's power structure, majority owner Mark Davis has announced that minority owner Tom Brady will play a central role in identifying the team's next leader. This latest development in Las Vegas Raiders news today marks yet another reset for an organization desperate for stability.

Pete Carroll's Gambling Experiment Ends in Failure

The experiment to bring the 74-year-old Carroll out of retirement to stabilize the Silver and Black has ended in arguably the worst season in modern franchise history. Hired in January 2025 to replace Antonio Pierce, Carroll was tasked with bringing his signature culture and energy to Las Vegas. Instead, the team plummeted to the bottom of the NFL standings, securing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

"We appreciate Pete's efforts and his lifetime of contributions to the game of football," Mark Davis said in a brief statement released Tuesday morning. "However, the results on the field did not meet the standards of the Raiders organization. We believe a new direction is necessary to achieve the excellence our fans deserve."

The 2025 season was marred by offensive struggles and internal discord. The decision to reunite Carroll with veteran quarterback Geno Smith proved catastrophic, with the offense finishing last in the league in points per game. Furthermore, the mid-season firing of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly did little to spark a turnaround, leaving the defense—led by frustrated star Maxx Crosby—on the field for extended stretches.

Tom Brady's Expanded Role as Raiders Owner

Perhaps the most significant news emerging from Henderson is the elevated influence of Tom Brady. Since his ownership stake was officially approved by the NFL in October 2024, Brady has largely operated in the background. That changes now. Davis confirmed that the seven-time Super Bowl champion will assist General Manager John Spytek in a "comprehensive and exhaustive" search for the next Raiders head coach.

"Tom's football acumen is unmatched," Davis told reporters. "He knows what a championship culture looks like because he lived it for two decades. I am entrusting Tom and John to find the right leader who can maximize our roster and finally bring a winner back to Las Vegas."

What Brady is Looking For

Sources close to the organization suggest Brady is prioritizing accountability and tactical innovation over past reputation. unlike the hire of Carroll, which was seen as a "splash" move, the Mark Davis Tom Brady search is expected to focus on younger, schematic experts who can develop the quarterback the Raiders are expected to select with the first overall pick.

NFL Head Coach Openings: Who Could Replace Carroll?

With the Raiders fire Pete Carroll news official, Las Vegas becomes the most attractive vacancy among current NFL head coach openings, primarily due to the top draft pick and Brady's involvement. Several names are already circulating in league circles:

  • Brian Flores: The Vikings defensive coordinator has deep ties to the "Patriot Way" and a connection to Brady. His aggressive defensive scheme fits the Raiders' personnel, specifically Maxx Crosby.
  • Jesse Minter: A rising star who has successfully transitioned from the college ranks to the NFL, Minter represents the youth and modern defensive philosophy the team lacked in 2025.
  • Ben Johnson: If Brady wants to prioritize offense, the Lions' offensive coordinator remains the premier candidate for developing a rookie quarterback.

The Road Ahead: The No. 1 Pick and a New Era

The immediate future of the Las Vegas Raiders hinges on this offseason. By securing the first overall pick, the franchise has a golden opportunity to draft a franchise quarterback—a luxury they haven't had in nearly two decades. The combination of a top-tier rookie signal-caller, elite defensive talent like Crosby, and a head coach hand-picked by the greatest quarterback of all time offers a glimmer of hope to a weary fanbase.

For now, the focus remains on the search. With Brady at the helm, there is renewed optimism that the Raiders will stop chasing ghosts of the past and finally build a sustainable modern football operation.