The Raiders thought they had an ace up their sleeve, but they instead busted.
Super Bowl-winning coach Pete Carroll is likely one-and-done in the Sin City with the team likely finishing the season with the league’s worst record, per NFL Network.
The outlet reported that indications are there will be a reset and it would be a “major surprise” if he returns for a second season.
Owner Mark Davis reportedly has not told anyone of a decision and usually waits a day or two until after the season, which concludes Sunday at home against the Chiefs.
This Raiders’ (2-14) season began with high hopes with Carroll leading the ship and Geno Smith being acquired to provide stability at the quarterback position, but Las Vegas is instead heading toward having the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Las Vegas shockingly started the year with an upset of the AFC East champion Patriots in Foxborough, providing some optimism.
The Raiders have since lost 14 of 15, beating only the three-win Titans in that stretch, and have lost 10 straight games entering Sunday.
Carroll, 74, fired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly during the middle of the season, and just last week franchise star pass rusher Maxx Crosby left the team building in frustration after the Raiders shut him down for the final two week of the season in what some perceived as a tanking action.
“So while Carroll, 74, has been fighting for another year, the feeling within the league and within the building is Davis will go in another direction,” Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero wrote.
The report states that general manager John Spytek and Raiders minority owner Tom Brady are expected to play “a key role” in advising Davis on the next hire.
Should the team make a change, it’s likely that coach will inherit the No. 1 pick and have the option to take the presumed top selection in Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
The Giants can still grab the No. 1 pick, but after the Raiders lost, 34-10, to Big Blue last weekend, it’s hard to envision them beating even a depleted Chiefs team this weekend.
A new coach would mark the fourth straight season with a new leader for the team, with Josh McDaniels beginning the 2023 season before being fired and Antonio Pierce being ousted after the 2024 campaign.
