Tag: Carroll

Raiders’ Pete Carroll confesses to run-game disconnect with Chip Kelly

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Raiders head coach Pete Carroll made what he views as an unprecedented move firing offensive coordinator Chip Kelly to avoid further disconnection among offensive personnel.

“We gave our guys a lot of leeway because of the respect we have for the coaches. But it just hasn’t quite gotten right,” Carroll said Monday. “I think we can do better.”

The Raiders averaged 3.6 yards per play over the past three games.

After never firing a coordinator during the season in his NFL tenure, Carroll has now fired the league’s highest-paid offensive coordinator (Kelly) and special teams coordinator Tom McMahon in a three-week span.

Greg Olson will be interim offensive coordinator. It’s the third time he’s been the play-caller for the Raiders (2013-14, 2018-2021). Olson has 13 years experience as a play-caller in the NFL. Carroll said their background helps him trust the offense will follow his preferences and philosophy.

Pressed for more details, Carroll said his winning formula hasn’t been captured yet. Carroll said it was “too painful” to stick with his coordinators because he knows there’s more talent and potential than the Raiders have shown.

“He’s deep into what I’m looking for,” Carroll said. “We need to run the ball better. We need to have the running game available to us. When you need it — short yardage, red zone, goal line, fourth quarter — all of those times you historically need to call on it. It’s a winning formula if you play good defense and kick the ball well.”

Carroll admitted there was some disconnect between his ideal play-calling and game plan and what Kelly was pushing to execute.

“We wanted to give him his due and all that. We just couldn’t get there,” Carroll said.

“He’s been a phenomenal coach. His past is extraordinary with all of the things he’s accomplished,” Carroll said. “At this time, we weren’t taking the next step. We were staying the same, staying the same. It wasn’t good enough for our fans and for the guys so that’s why we made the move.”

Kelly isn’t the only one at fault, Carroll reiterated on Monday, saying the plans for the week weren’t good enough on either side of the ball.

“We’ve got the guys we’ve got,” Carroll said of personnel. “So we’ve got to make them the best we can possibly make them. Take advantage of their strengths and attempt to get rid of their weaknesses. The communication on our staff and with our coaches will be really clear.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 9, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll (left) hugs wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Raiders reuniting WR Tyler Lockett with Pete Carroll

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The Las Vegas Raiders have signed wide receiver Tyler Lockett, reuniting him with head coach Pete Carroll, the team announced Monday afternoon.

Lockett, 33, played for Carroll with the Seahawks from 2015-23. He also played with Raiders quarterback Geno Smith in Seattle from 2020-24.

The Titans granted Lockett’s request for a release last week after he caught just 10 passes for 70 yards and no touchdowns in seven games (one start) during his first season with the Titans.

Lockett signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Titans during the offseason. His most notable play this season was a fumble recovery for a touchdown late in the Titans’ comeback victory against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5, their only win of the season.

Lockett was an All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection during a prolific decade with the Seahawks, posting at least 40 catches in every season to go along with four seasons of 1,000-plus yards.

He has 671 receptions for 8,664 yards and 61 touchdowns in 168 career games (135 starts) since Seattle drafted him in the third round in 2015.

In a corresponding move, Las Vegas waived receiver Justin Shorter, who played in all seven games this season and 17 over the last two years but recorded just three tackles on special teams and no offensive stats.

–Field Level Media

Sep 7, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots safety Craig Woodson (31) makes a tackle on Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Raiders expect ‘way better’ version of RB Ashton Jeanty in Week 2

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Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty ran in overdrive during his NFL debut, which included the go-ahead touchdown in a 20-13 win at New England on Sunday.

Jeanty averaged two yards per carry (19 rushes, 38 yards) and caught two passes for two yards. Head coach Pete Carroll chalked up the modest production mostly to Jeanty, the Heisman Trophy runner-up at Boise State last season, overserving himself adrenaline.

“He was pretty juiced up. He’s going to be way better,” Carroll said Monday, shifting gears from winning his debut to preparation for the Chargers (1-0).

Jeanty took his first carry of the game behind lead blockers off right guard for a gain of nine yards. For most of the rest of the game, the Patriots stacked the box to prioritize stuffing Jeanty, and the Raiders countered.

Carroll said the offensive line being on the same page and Jeanty showing more patience are advancements the offense will stress after quarterback Geno Smith passed for 362 yards and did most of the work in Week 1.

Tight end Brock Bowers (knee) left the game with five receptions for 103 yards, but Carroll didn’t have an update on his status. He doesn’t anticipate Bowers sitting out because of his toughness. Tight end Michael Mayer caught four passes for 38 yards.

Carroll used his first draft pick with the Raiders on Jeanty and paired him with Smith, a steady hand who played for the 73-year-old coach in Seattle.

On Monday, Carroll stressed the Raiders know what they’re going to get from the 34-year-old Smith: “Cube (QB) is going to do his thing.”

Bowers established a NFL rookie receiving record of 112 catches with the Raiders last season, and quickly felt comfortable leaning on Smith in offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s scheme.

“We’ve seen it all camp,” said Bowers, praising Smith’s ability to thread the needle against tight coverage. “No one on the team is shocked, really. It’s good that we can come out here and showcase what he can do. We stalled, obviously, I don’t know what caused that, but we know what we’re capable of. We just all had to lock back in and really get back rolling.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 29, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) celebrates after a penalty overturned a scoring play by the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Raiders tiptoe around release of DT Christian Wilkins

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Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll refused to comment on the reported human resources complaint that led to the team releasing $110 million defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.

Carroll said Tuesday that he had nothing to add on the matter beyond his July 25 comment that the Raiders saw “no clear path to his return.”

“Really I don’t. I have no comment to make,” Carroll said. “We made a decision on what we’re doing and we’re moving with it. We’ll see how that all unveils itself in time.”

Wilkins signed with the Raiders in March 2024 but was released last Thursday. ESPN reported Wilkins attempted to kiss a teammate on top of the head in the locker room and the action was not appreciated — resulting in a complaint filed with the franchise’s human resources department. The Raiders have not confirmed the report nor the effort to void the final $35.2 million in guarantees remaining on the deal.

Las Vegas had placed him on the physically unable to perform list before the start of training camp. Wilkins, 29, had been working his way back from a season-ending Jones fracture to his left foot. The team claimed it discussed a second surgical procedure with Wilkins, NFL Network reported, and he didn’t fully comply.

Wilkins filed a grievance with the NFL Players Association in an attempt to recoup the guaranteed money, according to multiple reports.

He hasn’t played in a game since October, when he was placed on injured reserve. Wilkins recorded 17 tackles and two sacks in five games (all starts) before having season-ending surgery.

Wilkins signed a four-year, $110 million contract with $84.75 million guaranteed as an unrestricted free agent, and at his energetic introductory press conference, described himself as a character and “sick, twisted individual up here.”

With no clarification from Raiders’ decision-makers, teammates have been left to try to tiptoe around what has become an increasingly murky situation.

“We pretty much kind of moved on from the situation. I really don’t want to comment further on it,” defensive tackle Adam Nelson said.

“But I will say, whatever you’re going through as a person — athlete, non-athlete — whatever your struggle is, you got something going on in life, just talk to somebody. Get some therapy. Whatever your deal is, is your deal. Somebody out there in this world full of millions of people is willing to listen. Willing to listen, hear you out, and work through whatever you need to work through. But don’t make any hasty decisions. Get help.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Chip Kelly before the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Reports: Chip Kelly leaving Ohio State to become Raiders OC

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Chip Kelly is leaving national champion Ohio State to return to the NFL as offensive coordinator of the Las Vegas Raiders, ESPN reported Sunday.

Kelly, 61, spent just one season with the Buckeyes and the campaign ended with a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff national title game.

Quarterback Will Howard threw for 5,786 yards and 48 touchdowns in 50 games over four seasons at Kansas State before transferring to Ohio State. Under Kelly’s tutelage, Howard passed for 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns in 16 games in 2024.

Kelly served four years in the NFL as a head coach, going a combined 28-35 with the Philadelphia Eagles (2013-15) and San Francisco 49ers (2016).

Kelly also spent 10 seasons as a college head coach. He went 46-7 in four seasons at Oregon (2009-12) and 35-34 in six seasons at UCLA (2018-23).

The Raiders recently hired former Seattle Seahawks and Southern California coach Pete Carroll as their new head coach.

–Field Level Media

Jan 7, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll looks on prior to facing the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Back to school: ‘Professor’ Pete Carroll returns to USC

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Former Southern California and Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is going back to school.

Carroll told Seattle’s Sports Radio 93.3 KJR-FM on Tuesday that he will be teaching a class at USC this spring.

“I’m looking forward to that,” he said. “It’s going to be a really exciting endeavor when it’s finalized and all that.”

The radio appearance marked Carroll’s first comments to Seattle media since his farewell news conference with the Seahawks in January.

Carroll did not provide any specifics about his plans for the classroom.

“Everybody wants to know what I’m doing and all that, am I coaching or what am I doing. I’m working with some really fun people and some exciting opportunities to do some really cool stuff and putting things together … for others, so I’m going to keep working that way and see what happens,” he said.

Carroll’s Seahawks finished 9-8 in 2023 but missed the playoffs for the second time in three seasons. He compiled a record of 137-89-1 in Seattle, including a victory in Super Bowl XLVIII, before being replaced by Mike Macdonald.

“I haven’t talked to those guys at all,” Carroll said of his recent interactions with the Seahawks. “I ran into Mike in the parking lot one day, and it was a great chance to just, the two of us alone, to meet, say hey and kind of get greeted, and on we go. I have not had much to do with them in any way, and really I’m just watching the games a little bit when I see them on TV.”

Carroll was the head coach of the Trojans from 2001-09, leading them to an undefeated national championship season in 2004. Before arriving at USC, he was the head coach of the New York Jets (1994) and New England Patriots (1997-99).

Carroll, who turns 73 next month, left open the possibility of a return to coaching.

“I get asked it a lot and I’m pretty familiar with the answer now,” he said. “I could coach tomorrow. I’m physically in the best shape I’ve been in in a long time. I’m ready to do all the activities that I’m doing and feeling really good about it. I could, but I don’t really — I’m not desiring it at this point. This isn’t the coaching season. We’ll see what happens.

“I’m not waiting on it at all. I’m going ahead. I’ve got other things that I want to do that I’m excited about, and I’m going to see how all that goes. I’m not thinking that I’m holding my breath and that kind of thing. If it’s been 40-something years, 48 years or whatever coaching, and [if] that’s it, I’ll feel OK about that.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 7, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll looks on in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Pete Carroll odds for six remaining NFL openings

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Pete Carroll said he has “plenty of energy” at 72 years old to continue coaching, and there are six remaining NFL vacancies after New England tabbed Jerod Mayo to replace Bill Belichick on Friday.

Carroll led Seattle to its lone Super Bowl title after the 2013 season, but the Seahawks have won only one playoff game since 2017. Could a team seeking a quick return to contender status be interested in a coach who posted 11 winning seasons in 13 years in Seattle?

SportsBetting.ag is offering odds on Carroll for each of the six remaining openings, although he’s not among the top five favorites for any of them.

PETE CARROLL NEXT TEAM ODDS
–Carolina Panthers (+1500)
–Atlanta Falcons (+2000)
–Las Vegas Raiders (+2000)
–Tennessee Titans (+3300)
–Washington Commanders (+4000)
–Los Angeles Chargers (+5000)

The shortest odds are with the Panthers, who fired Frank Reich midseason. However, Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is the current favorite at the book at +2000 and Carroll is also behind eight other potential candidates.

His longest odds are to land with the Chargers, despite the team having a playoff-caliber roster led by franchise quarterback Justin Herbert. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, who Carroll waged many fierce battles against when the former was the coach of the San Francisco 49ers, is the odds-on favorite at -200.

Carroll doesn’t know the level of interest that may or may not find, but he’ll be all ears if the phone rings.

“I don’t know that,” he told 710 ESPN radio in Seattle. “I’ve got plenty of energy for it and thought and willingness, but I can’t imagine there’s a place, the right one. I don’t know. I’m open to everything, but I’m not holding my breath on that.

“There’s a lot of world out here that I’m excited about challenging and going after. So if that happens, it happens. We’ll see. I really don’t know what to tell you about that yet.”

(Odds provided for informational purposes only. SportsBetting.ag is not a regulated sportsbook in the United States).

–Field Level Media

Jul 29, 2023; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn reacts during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Take 5: Top Seahawks candidates to replace Pete Carroll

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SEATTLE — Pete Carroll’s 14-year tenure as the Seattle Seahawks’ head coach coming to an end on Wednesday may have come as a shock on the national stage, but it was more of a mild surprise to close observers of the franchise.

Carroll, 72, is heavily revered in the Pacific Northwest. He led the Seahawks to their lone Super Bowl title after the 2013 season and posted 11 winning seasons — including a 9-8 record this season.

However, there were cracks in the facade in recent years. Seattle has won just one playoff game since 2017, and the team has struggled to execute on two Carroll principles — running the ball consistently and playing physical defense.

This season, the Seahawks ranked 31st in rushing attempts while giving up the second-most rushing yards on defense. It was a combination that all too often led to Seattle scraping by in games it was expected to win and getting blown out by the two No. 1 seeds — San Francisco and Baltimore.

So, who will general manager John Schneider turn to in order to return the franchise to true contender status in the NFC?

Among the seven head-coaching vacancies, Seattle figures to be among the most attractive with a roster that boasts a solid young core that includes book-end tackles on the offensive line and star rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon, among others.

Five Seahawks Coaching Candidates:

5. Jim Harbaugh, Michigan Head Coach
Harbaugh will be on the tip of the tongue for every vacancy until he lands a new NFL job or decides to return to the Wolverines. There are pros and cons when evaluating Harbaugh with the Seahawks.

The Pacific Northwest is across the country from his brother, John, in Baltimore, but it’s also in a separate conference, meaning they wouldn’t have to square off often. Jim would also be handed the reins of an offense with two capable young running backs and in a division where he’d get to face his former team, San Francisco, at least twice a year.

4. Mike Vrabel, ex-Titans Head Coach
Vrabel checks a lot of boxes as a defensive coach known for instilling a hard-nosed culture in Tennessee, built on his days playing for Bill Belichick in New England. He’s also still only 48 and led the Titans to three playoff appearances in six seasons. It’s still unknown if Belichick will return to New England for the 2024 campaign, and if Vrabel would be the Patriots’ top choice if he doesn’t.

3. Chris Petersen, ex-Washington Head Coach
This was an interesting name out of left field floated by former Huskies and Seahawks quarterback Brock Huard on 710 ESPN radio in Seattle shortly after the news of Carroll’s departure as coach surfaced. Petersen resigned as Washington’s head coach in 2019 after six years at the helm of the Huskies.

Now 59, Petersen has spent the past several years as a television analyst and as an advisor for Washington, where he aided in the hiring of current Huskies coach Kalen DeBoer. It’s a longshot, but this could be Petersen’s best — and perhaps final — opportunity to try his hand as an NFL head coach if the desire is there.

2. Mike Macdonald, Ravens Defensive Coordinator
If Schneider is longing for the days that the “Legion of Boom” dominated football games, then Macdonald might be his man to replace Carroll. The 36-year-old Macdonald was on John Harbaugh’s staff for seven seasons before spending a year with Jim Harbaugh as Michigan’s defensive coordinator in 2021. He returned to Baltimore as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator the past two seasons.

Baltimore finished the regular season first in scoring defense, tied for first in takeaways and first in net yards allowed per pass attempt. The Ravens boast the type of fast, physical style that Carroll’s units simply lacked in recent seasons. The discrepancy between the two units was on full display for Schneider in the Ravens’ 37-3 shellacking of the Seahawks in Baltimore in Week 9.

1. Dan Quinn, Cowboys Defensive Coordinator
All early signs point directly at Quinn, who reportedly already has plans to talk to the Commanders, Panthers and Chargers about their coaching vacancies.

Quinn, 53, served as Carroll’s defensive coordinator for two years — both resulting in Super Bowl appearances led by the “Legion of Boom” secondary — before landing the head-coaching job in Atlanta. After three years as Dallas’ defensive coordinator, Quinn is already on the short list of names for several teams, and his Seahawks ties could make for a natural fit to carry the torch.

–Derek Harper, Field Level Media

Aug 26, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll (right) congratulates quarterback Geno Smith (7) as he comes off the field in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

GM, coach laud Geno Smith’s self belief behind career year

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With a new three-year, $105 million contract in tow, Geno Smith was celebrated as the quarterback of the present for the Seattle Seahawks.

In a press conference at team headquarters Thursday, Smith was showered with appreciation from the Seahawks for his commitment to the franchise and belief in himself. Smith stepped into a starting role, which was never truly contested by Drew Lock, after the Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos last March.

The 32-year-old Smith delivered while making $3.5 million last season, guiding the Seahawks to a wildcard playoff spot, earning a Pro Bowl nod and now cashing in with a contract that could pay him 30 times his 2022 rate.

“There were a lot of years when Geno just had to sit there, waiting,” head coach Pete Carroll said, seated to Smith’s right and opposite general manager John Schneider at a press conference Thursday afternoon. “The story that has been unveiled about believing in yourself and confidence and trust and never giving up is just a vivid illustration of Geno. He always knew. He always knew he could do this. When it happened, the opportunity was there, and you handled it so flawlessly.”

Carroll said Smith approached the Seahawks about a team-friendly deal that ties more than $30 million to incentives and performance bonuses. Carroll said he wasn’t surprised to hear Smith say his concern was leaving the team room to build a championship team around him.

“I believe in team first,” Smith said Thursday.

Smith was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2022. He was a backup for seven seasons with four different teams and all but discounted as a serious option to be Seattle’s starter for even one season. He set franchise single-season records for passing yards (4,282), completions (399), completion percentage (69.8) and pass attempts (572), breaking three previous Wilson records.

“I know you know this, but what an inspiration you’ve been to men, women, young, old, all around the country,” Schneider said. “Lessons about faith, perseverance, work ethic. Being a good person, man. Watching you last year was awesome, and I know you’re super-excited about the future. So thank you to you.”

Last week, Schneider said at the NFL Scouting Combine the Seahawks are digging deep into the quarterbacks in the 2023 draft, and Carroll called the No. 5 pick — part of the return from the trade return from the Broncos for Wilson — a “rare opportunity.”

Schneider, raised in the Green Bay scouting department where quarterback insurance was a top priority, nodded and smiled when asked if Seattle could keep Smith and spend a high pick on a quarterback in the 2023 draft.

“They don’t grow on trees,” he said.

–Field Level Media

Jul 25, 2019; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, right, talks with general manager John Schneider during training camp practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Pete Carroll: Seahawks ‘deeply involved’ with top QB prospects

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Don’t rule out the Seattle Seahawks making a move for a top quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Even if the team is able to re-sign free agent quarterback Geno Smith as planned, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said he and general manager John Schneider are diving headlong into the 2023 QB draft class.

“We are totally connected to the quarterbacks that are coming out,” said Carroll. “This is a really huge opportunity for us. It’s a rare opportunity for us. We’ve been drafting in the low 20s for such a long time, you just don’t get the chance for these guys. So we’re deeply involved with all of them.”

The Seahawks are discussing a multi-year contract with Smith, Carroll said. The 2022 Pro Bowl selection handled last season “impeccably,” Carroll said Tuesday.

“We are working hard to keep it going,” he said.

Carroll said there a “number of guys in the past” who were put on the shelf for awhile only to get another chance.

“It’s a message for us,” Carroll said of Smith. “There’s other guys that can do the same thing. … Maybe we have given up on guys too soon. Some of that is themselves. They have to maintain the belief in themselves. Geno is a remarkable illustration of that. He never wavered. He expected to win the job. He expected to be successful. He expected to be where he is right now.”

Seattle has the fifth pick in the draft and five selections in the top 85. The No. 5 pick is Seattle’s highest draft choice since 2009 as return for trading Russell Wilson to the Broncos. Seattle also has the 37th pick from Denver.

Carroll said keeping Smith and drafting a quarterback is a “definite” possibility.

Field Level Media ranks three quarterbacks among the top seven prospects in the 2023 draft.

–Field Level Media