Pete Carroll is currently a free agent, effectively in coaching limbo after a whirlwind 2025 season that saw him return to the sidelines only to be let go before the dust could even settle. If you’re looking for a stadium or a practice facility where you can find him wearing a headset right now, you won't.
On January 5, 2026, the Las Vegas Raiders officially fired Pete Carroll.
It was a "one-and-done" experiment that went sideways faster than anyone in the desert anticipated. After a decade-plus of stability in Seattle and a year-long hiatus, Carroll took the Vegas job with a ton of energy, but the results were—to put it bluntly—pretty disastrous. A 3-14 record is a tough pill to swallow for a guy with a Super Bowl ring and two college national championships.
The Raiders Experiment: What Went Wrong?
Most people thought the pairing of Pete’s "Always Compete" philosophy and the Raiders’ "Just Win, Baby" mantra would be a match made in heaven. Honestly, it looked more like a clash of eras.
Carroll, who turned 74 this past September, became the oldest head coach in NFL history during his tenure in Las Vegas. He tried to bring back that old-school Seahawks magic by reuniting with Geno Smith and leaning heavily on veterans. But the magic wasn't there. The Raiders lost 14 of their last 16 games.
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One of the biggest criticisms during his single season in Vegas was his "allergy" to playing younger talent. As the losses piled up, Carroll stuck with guys like linebacker Devin White while the team unraveled. By the time the season ended with a narrow 14-12 win over the Chiefs, the decision had already been made by owner Mark Davis and the Raiders' front office.
The Timeline of Carroll's Recent Moves
- January 2024: Stepped down as the Seattle Seahawks head coach after 14 seasons.
- 2024 Season: Served in a "Senior Advisor" role for Seattle, though he later admitted he mostly stayed away to give the new staff space.
- Early 2025: Hired by the Las Vegas Raiders to replace Antonio Pierce.
- January 2026: Fired by the Raiders after finishing 3-14.
Where Does Pete Carroll Coach Next?
This is the big question everyone is asking at the sports bars and on Twitter. Does a 74-year-old coach who just went 3-14 get another shot?
The reality is that his NFL head-coaching career might have just bookended itself in the strangest way possible. Back in 1994, Carroll was fired after one season with the New York Jets. Now, decades later, he’s been fired after one season with the Raiders.
But Pete being Pete, he isn't exactly calling it quits. During his final press conference in Las Vegas, he was asked if he wanted to keep coaching. He said, "Of course." He’s always been the guy with the most energy in the room, the one sprinting down the sidelines and chewing gum like his life depends on it.
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The USC Connection
There is a lot of chatter about him returning to USC. It wouldn't be as a head coach—Lincoln Riley has that spot—but rather in a teaching or "Master Class" leadership role. In early 2025, there were reports that Carroll was finalizing a deal to teach a course on leadership at the university.
It makes sense. USC is where he built his legend. If he can't be on a sideline, being a mentor to the next generation of players and coaches at Heritage Hall is a very "Pete" move.
The Broadcasting Pivot
If you can't find where Pete Carroll is coaching, you might soon find where he is talking. Recent rumors suggest he’s eyeing a career in the broadcast booth.
Think about it: the guy is charismatic, he knows every nuance of the game, and he has a voice that people actually enjoy listening to. He’s spent his whole life motivating rooms full of alpha athletes; explaining a Cover 3 defense to a Monday Night Football audience would be a walk in the park for him.
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A Legacy That Transcends the 3-14 Record
It’s easy to look at the Raiders' mess and think he’s lost his touch. But let’s not forget what the man actually did.
In Seattle, he didn't just win a Super Bowl; he built a culture. The Legion of Boom wasn't just a defense; it was an identity. He proved that you could have fun, be positive, and still be the most physical team on the field. That’s why the answer to "where does Pete Carroll coach" matters so much to fans. We want to see if that philosophy can still work in a league that has become increasingly obsessed with young, "offensive genius" gurus like Ben Johnson or Klint Kubiak.
The Raiders are now moving on, likely looking for a young coach to pair with a rookie quarterback (possibly Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza) with that No. 1 overall pick Pete’s season "earned" them.
What’s Next for Fans of Coach Carroll?
If you’re a fan of Pete, don’t expect him to stay quiet for long. Whether he’s teaching a class at USC, popping up as a defensive consultant for a playoff contender, or finally making the jump to TV, he’s going to stay busy.
Actionable Takeaways for Following Pete's Career:
- Watch the USC Faculty News: If the leadership course rumors are true, he'll likely be more active on campus in Los Angeles this spring.
- Monitor the NFL "Advisor" Circuit: Teams often bring in veteran coaches as consultants during training camp. Don't be surprised to see him at a random practice facility in August.
- Check the 2026 Broadcasting Lineups: With several networks looking to refresh their booths, Carroll is a prime candidate for a color commentary or studio analyst role.
Pete Carroll might not have a whistle around his neck today, but a guy with that much "juice" doesn't just disappear. He’s likely just waiting for the next opportunity to prove everyone wrong—again.