Published on: January 5, 2026, 02:58h.

Updated on: January 5, 2026, 03:07h.

• Las Vegas Raiders part ways with Carroll after a single season as head coach
• General manager John Spytek retains his position
• Raiders finished last in the NFL, securing the No. 1 pick for the upcoming NFL Draft

The day following the conclusion of the NFL regular season is often marked by numerous firings of coaches and general managers as teams reassess their strategies. This year, the Las Vegas Raiders’ Pete Carroll is among the first to be let go.

Speculation surrounding Carroll’s exit intensified in recent weeks, particularly after a lackluster season that led the Raiders to a dismal 3-14 record, placing them at the bottom of the NFL standings. Carroll was in his inaugural year with the Raiders, having signed a three-year deal.

The Raiders also have significant commitments to quarterback Geno Smith, who led the league in interceptions (17) and was 20th in passing yards (3,025). Smith signed a two-year extension worth up to $85.5 million, with $66.5 million guaranteed, shortly after his acquisition last spring. His career trajectory had improved under Carroll’s guidance during their time together in Seattle.

Spytek Remains

Carroll previously led the Seattle Seahawks to two Super Bowl appearances, securing a championship in 2014, along with five NFC West titles.

In contrast, the Raiders’ general manager John Spytek remains at the helm. While the team has initiated a rebuild phase, fans can take solace in having the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Heisman Trophy-winning QB Fernando Mendoza currently holds the top odds to be selected first, aligning well with the team’s needs.

According to DraftKings’ updated NFL Draft betting lines: Mendoza -500, QB Dante Moore +425, defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. +2200.

The Raiders face challenging times, with only a handful of players—running back Ashton Jeanty, Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby, and tight end Brock Bowers—as potential building blocks. Trade rumors surrounding Crosby persist, particularly after he reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with being sidelined for a crucial game against the New York Giants due to a knee injury, which may require surgery.

Coaching Changes Ahead

The next head coach for the Raiders will become the team’s sixth since 2021.

Carroll isn’t the only coaching casualty today; during last night’s matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, the Atlanta Falcons announced the firing of both their head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot.

The Cleveland Browns also dismissed head coach Kevin Stefanski after six seasons, concluding a disappointing year with a 5-12 record. Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals parted ways with third-year coach Jonathan Gannon following a 3-14 finish.

Earlier in the season, the New York Giants released head coach Brian Daboll in November, while the Tennessee Titans let go of head coach Brian Callahan in October.