> At a Glance
> – The Las Vegas Raiders fired Pete Carroll after one season and a 3-14 record.
> – John Spytek and Tom Brady will lead the search for the franchise’s fourth head coach in four years.
> – Las Vegas owns the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and the most projected cap space in the league.
> – Why it matters: With a top pick, cap room, and Brady’s influence, the Raiders are positioned for a rapid roster overhaul.
The Raiders’ coaching carousel keeps spinning. After a 3-14 crash, Pete Carroll is out, and the franchise is handing the keys to John Spytek and Tom Brady for the next rebuild.
Carroll’s Short Stay Ends in Disappointment
Carroll, 74, was hired to steady the ship but instead produced the worst record in the NFL. Las Vegas opened with a win at New England, then lost 14 of its last 16, including 10 straight before a final-week upset of Kansas City.
The victory over the Chiefs gave fans brief joy, yet the Giants’ earlier loss still delivered the No. 1 overall pick to Las Vegas.
A Decade of Instability
The Raiders have now cycled through 14 head coaches (including interims) since 2001. No hire has lasted four full seasons since Jon Gruden’s first stint ended in 2001.
| Coach | Era | Tenure Length |
|---|---|---|
| Gruden | 1998-2001 | 4 seasons |
| 14 successors | 2001-2025 | ≤3 seasons each |
Since their 2022 playoff appearance, the team is 21-46.
Brady Era Begins
Tom Brady, minority owner, now has an expanded voice alongside GM John Spytek. The pair will:
- Run the head-coach search
- Shape a roster with top cap space
- Decide on quarterback between Geno Smith, Kenny Pickett, or a 2026 draft pick
Heisman Update
Fernando Mendoza, quarterback for No. 1 Indiana, became the first Hoosier to win the Heisman Trophy since the award began in 1935.
Key Takeaways
- Carroll exits after one season and three wins
- Raiders hold No. 1 pick and league-high cap space
- Brady-Spytek duo will steer the next coaching hire
- Franchise seeks first four-season coach since 2001
Las Vegas enters the offseason with unprecedented assets, hoping the fourth coach in four years finally breaks the cycle.
