If you’re trying to figure out who is the head coach for the Raiders right now, you might want to take a deep breath. It’s been a chaotic week in Las Vegas. Basically, as of mid-January 2026, the Raiders don't actually have a head coach.
They just fired Pete Carroll.
Yeah, that Pete Carroll. The legendary former Seahawks coach who came out of "retirement" to try and save the Silver and Black. It didn't work. Honestly, it was a disaster. The team finished a brutal 3-14, which was enough to convince owner Mark Davis and minority owner Tom Brady that a massive change was needed.
The Pete Carroll Era: Short, Loud, and Complicated
You’ve probably seen the headlines. Carroll was supposed to bring that "Win Forever" energy to the desert. Instead, the 2025 season felt like it lasted a decade. The Raiders tied for the worst record in the NFL. They were hit with a 10-game losing streak that felt like a slow-motion car crash.
Even though Carroll wanted to keep going—he literally told reporters "Of course" when asked if he'd be back for 2026—the front office had seen enough. On January 5, 2026, the team officially relieved him of his duties.
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It’s kind of wild when you think about it. Carroll is 74. He was the oldest coach in NFL history. He brought in his sons, Brennan and Nate, to help run the offense. He even reunited with Geno Smith. But the offense ranked dead last in almost every major category. Now, the Raiders are left holding the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a giant "Help Wanted" sign on the door.
Why the Raiders Job is the Weirdest in the NFL
So, who is the head coach for the Raiders going to be? That’s the multi-million dollar question. Whoever takes the job isn't just answering to Mark Davis anymore.
Tom Brady is calling a lot of the shots now.
Since Brady became a minority owner, his influence has been everywhere. He was a huge part of the search that landed Carroll last year, and he’s expected to be the "shadow GM" for this next hire. Working alongside General Manager John Spytek, Brady is looking for someone who can finally stabilize a franchise that has burned through five coaches in six seasons.
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The Current Shortlist of Candidates
Because the Raiders have that No. 1 pick, every coach in the league wants this job. You get to hand-pick your franchise quarterback (everyone is talking about Fernando Mendoza from Indiana or Dante Moore). Here is who the Raiders are looking at right now:
- Brian Flores (Vikings DC): This is the name everyone is circling. Flores worked with Brady for 11 years in New England. He’s been a head coach before with the Dolphins, and his defense in Minnesota has been terrifyingly good.
- Nate Scheelhaase (Rams Passing Game Coordinator): The Raiders officially requested an interview with him on January 11. He’s the "young, innovative" pick. He comes from the Sean McVay coaching tree, which is basically the golden ticket in the NFL right now.
- Robert Saleh (49ers DC): He was almost hired last year. After his stint with the Jets, he went back to San Francisco and reminded everyone why he’s a defensive genius.
- Kliff Kingsbury (Commanders OC): Another Brady connection. If the Raiders want to go all-in on a high-flying offense for their new rookie QB, Kliff is the guy.
What Happened to Antonio Pierce?
You might still be thinking of Antonio Pierce. He was the guy who took over after Josh McDaniels was fired in 2023. The players loved him. Maxx Crosby practically threatened to leave if Pierce wasn't kept on.
But NFL business is cold.
Pierce was fired in January 2025 after a 4-13 season. The Raiders felt they needed a "big name," which is how they ended up with Carroll. In hindsight, a lot of fans are wondering if they should have just stuck with Pierce’s grit instead of chasing Carroll’s fame.
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The Next Steps for the Silver and Black
The search is moving fast. Usually, these things wrap up by the end of January or early February. The Raiders have a massive amount of salary cap space—over $100 million—and that top draft pick.
If you are a Raiders fan, you should be watching the flight trackers. The team is expected to finish their first round of interviews by the end of this week. They need someone who isn't just a "name," but someone who can actually build a modern offense.
Keep an eye on the official team announcements over the next 10 days. The Raiders can't afford to get this wrong again, especially with the Super Bowl window for stars like Maxx Crosby and Brock Bowers starting to feel a little tight.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the No. 1 Pick Rumors: Whoever the Raiders hire will likely signal which quarterback they want in the draft. An offensive coach usually means a "project" QB with high upside.
- Check for "The Brady Factor": If the hire has New England roots, you know Tom Brady made the final call.
- Monitor the Staff: If Patrick Graham (the current Defensive Coordinator) stays, it suggests the new coach is an offensive specialist who wants continuity on the other side of the ball.