From Seattle to Sin City: Can Pete Carroll Instill a Winning Culture with the Raiders?
The Las Vegas Raiders, a franchise steeped in history and known for its passionate fanbase, are embarking on a new era. After a disappointing 4-13 season in 2024, the Raiders turned to a familiar face to lead the charge: Pete Carroll. The 73-year-old coach, fresh off a 14-year stint with the Seattle Seahawks that included two NFC championships and a Super Bowl XLVIII victory, has been tasked with revitalizing a team hungry for success. But can Carroll, with his “Win Forever” philosophy, truly instill a winning culture in Sin City?
A Culture Shift in the Desert
Carroll’s arrival marks a significant shift for the Raiders, who have struggled with consistency and identity in recent years. Since their Super Bowl XXXVII appearance in 2002, the Raiders have only made the playoffs twice, a far cry from the “Commitment to Excellence” that once defined the franchise. The Raiders have had 14 head coaches since Jon Gruden was traded to Tampa Bay in 2002.
One of Carroll’s primary goals will be to establish a strong team culture, something he successfully cultivated in Seattle. His philosophy centers around building relationships with players, fostering a sense of purpose, and encouraging individual expression within a disciplined framework. This approach contrasts with the more traditional, militaristic styles often seen in the NFL. Carroll believes that caring personally about each player and his unique needs, background and aspirations is fundamental to his success as a coach.
However, Carroll’s methods have faced scrutiny. Some view his style as overly positive and lacking the top-down edge expected of successful coaches. But those who look deeper recognize the rigor, discipline, and intense spirit of competition that underpin his approach.
The Raiders’ Recent History: A Culture in Crisis?
The Raiders’ recent history has been marred by more than just on-field struggles. Reports of a toxic work environment, lawsuits alleging discrimination, and a general sense of instability have plagued the organization. In 2022, former employees claimed the team “enabled a culture in Oakland and Las Vegas that left them feeling unsupported, underpaid, and at risk of retaliation if they voiced concerns.”
The Raiders’ party culture tradition has also been a point of concern. As Rod Coleman, a former Raider, noted, “That culture was very dangerous, looking back now because when you’re in your 20s and the world expects you to win every day, every week, every season, it’s a lot of stress and pressure on you. And if you had no one to talk to about it, then, you know, any type of underlying mental issues you have, they’re going to come out sooner or later.”
Carroll will need to address these issues head-on, creating an environment where players and staff feel valued, supported, and empowered. This will require a significant departure from the “boys club” mentality that some former employees have described.
Carroll’s “Win Forever” Philosophy: More Than Just a Slogan
At the heart of Carroll’s approach lies his “Win Forever” philosophy. This isn’t just about winning games; it’s about cultivating a mindset of continuous improvement, relentless competition, and unwavering belief in oneself and one’s teammates. Carroll’s philosophy is that the only way to “win forever” is to always compete. The reality is that the act of winning only last for a few fleeting moments.
Carroll emphasizes the importance of competing in all aspects of life, not just on the football field. He encourages players to develop a personal philosophy, set goals, and strive to be the best versions of themselves. This holistic approach aims to create well-rounded individuals who are not only talented athletes but also responsible and engaged members of the community.
Building a Roster: The Draft and Free Agency
Carroll and new general manager John Spytek have been busy reshaping the Raiders’ roster. The team traded a third-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks for quarterback Geno Smith, a player Carroll knows well and trusts. The Raiders also re-signed Isaiah Pola-Mao and Adam Butler, along with acquiring Elandon Roberts, Jeremy Chinn, Devin White, and Eric Stokes.
The Raiders hold the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a valuable asset they can use to add a blue-chip prospect to their roster. With needs on both sides of the ball, the Raiders could target a defensive lineman like Mason Graham or a dynamic playmaker like Travis Hunter.
Carroll and Spytek remain open-minded ahead of working their first NFL Draft together. Carroll has expressed confidence in Spytek, stating, “I couldn’t be more confident in where he’s coming from, and I think it’s because philosophically, we’re so connected.”
The Road Ahead: Challenges in a Competitive AFC West
Carroll faces a demanding job in the AFC West, a division loaded with proven coaches and quarterbacks. The Kansas City Chiefs, led by Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, are the reigning Super Bowl champions and show no signs of slowing down. The Denver Broncos have a promising young quarterback in Bo Nix, while the Los Angeles Chargers boast a talented roster led by Justin Herbert.
The Raiders’ 2025 schedule includes nine home games at Allegiant Stadium, with six opponents coming off losing seasons. Non-divisional matchups feature the Titans, Browns, Giants, Jaguars, Bears, and Cowboys. Road contests provide stiffer challenges, with six opponents reaching the 2024 playoffs, including the Eagles and Texans.
Can Carroll Turn the Tide?
The question remains: can Pete Carroll truly instill a winning culture with the Raiders? The answer is complex and depends on several factors. Carroll’s ability to connect with his players, establish a strong team culture, and make the right personnel decisions will be crucial. The Raiders must also overcome the challenges of a competitive division and a demanding schedule.
However, Carroll’s track record speaks for itself. He has a proven ability to build winning programs, both in college and the NFL. His “Win Forever” philosophy, while sometimes questioned, has been instrumental in his success.
As Carroll embarks on this new chapter in his career, he brings a wealth of experience, a passion for the game, and an unwavering belief in the power of culture. Whether he can replicate his Seattle success in Las Vegas remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Raiders are betting on Carroll to bring a winning mentality back to Sin City.