The Las Vegas Raiders’ Week 16 loss to the Houston Texans may have been disappointing, but head coach Pete Carroll had to be pleased with how his team competed on both sides of the field.
The Raiders are currently tied for the worst record in the NFL with the New York Giants and should be interested in losing their final games to give themselves a shot at the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, Las Vegas’ roster had other plans as they pushed Houston to the brink before losing 23-21.
It was a spirited effort from the Raiders, who have often looked listless throughout the 2025 season. Carroll has historically found ways to get the most out of his players and pick up wins, but that hasn’t been the case during his first year in Las Vegas.
Caroll surely didn’t plan to have these many losses under his belt, but he expressed his loyalty and commitment to the franchise when asked if he wanted to stay for a rebuild via Austin Boyd of Heavy.com:
“I would love to,” Carroll said after the game when asked if he wanted to stay for the rebuild. “I really like this place, and I like this team, and I love working with (John Spytek).”
At 74 years old, a rebuilding situation should be one of the last things Carroll does, but it speaks to his character as a head coach and person to stick around through a tough stretch. Las Vegas has some strong pieces to build around, most notably Maxx Crosby, Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty, but the team needs far more talent and depth before even thinking about competing for a playoff spot.
A rebuild is usually a multi-year project, though some organizations have managed to accelerate their timelines through good drafting and free agent signings. The Raiders have struggled in those two areas in years past, so general manager John Spytek has his work cut out for him this offseason.
Even Carroll’s job for next season isn’t guaranteed, given Las Vegas’ showings this season. However, the franchise could do worse than someone like Carroll, who seems eager to return and prove he’s the right man for the job.
Pete Carroll has no hesitation defending Geno Smith
Like Pete Carroll, Geno Smith’s future with the Raiders has also come into question amidst another lost season.
While Smith has looked like a shell of himself, Carroll reiterated he has no hesitation coming to his quarterback’s defense.
