Culture Shift in Vegas? How Pete Carroll Aims to Rebuild the Raiders From the Ground Up

The Las Vegas Raiders, a team steeped in tradition but recently adrift, are betting on a seismic culture shift under the leadership of new Head Coach Pete Carroll. After a disappointing 4-13 season in 2024, owner Mark Davis brought in Carroll, a Super Bowl-winning coach known for his infectious energy and player-centric approach, to revitalize the franchise. But can Carroll, at 73, inject a winning mentality into a team that hasn’t seen sustained success in over two decades? The answer, according to Carroll himself, is a resounding yes, and the rebuild starts now.

A New Era Dawns: Carroll’s Vision for the Raiders

Carroll’s arrival signals more than just a coaching change; it represents a complete organizational reset. From the moment he stepped into the Raiders’ Intermountain Health Performance Center, Carroll has emphasized the importance of competition, not just on the field, but in every facet of the organization. “Competing, to me, is defined by striving for excellence,” Carroll stated. “It’s not beating somebody and rubbing their nose in the dirt, that’s not it. It’s about striving in everything that you’re doing. You’re trying to be the best you can possibly be and that’s the mentality that drives this program.”

This philosophy, honed over decades of coaching at the college and professional levels, is built on the principle of “Always Compete.” Carroll believes that a positive and competitive environment brings out the best in players, fostering individual growth, team chemistry, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This approach contrasts sharply with more traditional, militaristic coaching styles, focusing instead on nurturing strong interpersonal connections with players and celebrating their individuality.

The Brady Factor: A Partnership for Success

Adding another layer to this cultural overhaul is the significant role of minority owner Tom Brady. Davis has made it clear that Brady will have a “huge voice” in football decisions, and Carroll has embraced the opportunity to collaborate with the legendary quarterback. “We happen to have the greatest of all time to help us, and to see clearly, and we’re going to lean on Tom as much as we possibly can for his insights because nobody has the insights he has,” Carroll acknowledged.

Brady’s experience and football acumen will be invaluable in evaluating talent, developing game plans, and instilling a winning mindset throughout the team. Carroll envisions a collaborative partnership where Brady’s insights complement his own coaching expertise, creating a synergistic approach to building a championship-caliber team.

Rebuilding Through the Draft and Free Agency

With a clear vision and a strong leadership team in place, the Raiders have embarked on an aggressive offseason strategy to address key needs and reshape the roster. General Manager John Spytek, hired from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has been tasked with identifying and acquiring players who fit Carroll’s culture and can contribute immediately.

The Raiders have been active in free agency, making several notable signings:

Jeremy Chinn (S): Signed a two-year deal worth over $16 million.
Devin White (LB): White reunites with John Spytek, as the Raiders general manger was the director of player personnel for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when they selected the LSU Tiger with the fifth pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Eric Stokes (CB): Signed with the Raiders on March 13.
Leki Fotu (DT): Signed with the Raiders on March 25.
Ian Thomas (TE): Signed a deal with the Raiders to add depth to the position.
Malcolm Koonce (DE): Re-signed with the Raiders on a one-year, $12 million deal.

These additions address critical needs on both sides of the ball and bring a mix of veteran experience and youthful potential to the Raiders’ roster.

In addition to free agency, the Raiders hold the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, providing an opportunity to add a blue-chip prospect to their foundation. With needs at quarterback, offensive line, and wide receiver, the Raiders will have several options to choose from, and Brady’s input will be crucial in identifying the right player to build around.

Carroll’s Coaching Staff: A Blend of Experience and Innovation

To execute his vision, Carroll has assembled a diverse and experienced coaching staff, blending familiar faces with innovative minds. Notably, both of Carroll’s sons, Brennan and Nate, have joined the Raiders’ coaching staff. Brennan will serve as the run game coordinator and offensive line coach, while Nate will be the assistant quarterbacks coach.

Other key additions to the coaching staff include:

Chip Kelly (Offensive Coordinator): Kelly returns to the NFL after spending six seasons as the UCLA Bruins head coach and most recently as offensive coordinator with the 2025-2026 College Football Playoff National Champion Ohio State Buckeyes.
Patrick Graham (Defensive Coordinator): Graham returns as defensive coordinator.
Greg Olson (Quarterbacks Coach): Olson last coached in 2023 with the Seattle Seahawks.
Joe Philbin (Senior Offensive Assistant): Philbin enters his second season with the Raiders after spending the 2024 campaign as interim offensive line coach.

This blend of experience and innovation should allow the Raiders to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the NFL and develop a competitive edge.

No Time for a Traditional Rebuild

At 73, Carroll isn’t interested in a long, drawn-out rebuilding process. He wants to win now, and he’s instilling that sense of urgency throughout the organization. “We don’t have some time to make it five or six years down the road. That’s not what we’re thinking,” Carroll declared. “We’re going to start right now to go after it and build this team as quickly as we can.”

This commitment to immediate improvement resonates with players like Maxx Crosby, who has expressed his desire to compete for a championship now. By fostering a culture of competition, making strategic acquisitions, and assembling a talented coaching staff, Carroll believes the Raiders can quickly turn things around and become a force in the AFC.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

While the arrival of Carroll and Brady has injected a sense of optimism into the Raiders organization, significant challenges remain. The AFC West is a gauntlet, with the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes continuing to reign supreme. The Denver Broncos, under Sean Payton, made the playoffs in 2024, and the Los Angeles Chargers are always a threat with Justin Herbert at quarterback.

To compete in this division, the Raiders must address their quarterback situation, improve their offensive line, and develop a consistent running game. Defensively, they need to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and create turnovers.

Despite these challenges, the Raiders have the resources and leadership in place to make significant strides in 2025. Carroll’s track record of success, combined with Brady’s expertise and Spytek’s shrewd personnel management, provides a solid foundation for building a winning team.

The culture shift in Vegas is underway, and while the road ahead may be challenging, the Raiders are determined to restore their winning tradition and compete for a Super Bowl title. With Pete Carroll at the helm, the Raiders are betting on a brighter future, one built on competition, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.