Dwayne Johnson couldn’t have said it better: “FINALLY,” the Raiders have a vision. This shift began months ago when Tom Brady became a minority owner of the franchise that’s near and dear to my heart. We have put aside our differences from the AFC Divisional playoff game back in 2002, and you can sense a change in the organization.  It’s well documented that Raiders fans are among the most loyal in the NFL. Despite multiple franchise relocations, we have transitioned from the Black Hole to the Death Star in just a few short years. Last year, the Raiders organization promised a culture change, and it seemed promising after beating the “Red Team,” but this change never fully materialized. Let’s face it in a division with head coaches like Payton, Harbaugh, and Wilford Brimley, you have to have years of coaching experience or a staff having many years under its belt in the NFL, especially with the field generals the other teams possess in the division.

“Oh Happy Day!”

On January 24th the NFL world woke up to Pete Carrol signing on the dotted line to become the 24th head coach in Raiders history.  At his last press conference with the Seahawks, Carrol clarified that he was not ready to stop coaching.   When the influx of coaching vacancies became available after the season, he made it known he was interested in coaching again. In the introductory press conference, Carroll made it known how fired up he was to get the opportunity to coach again.  He emphasized time and how important it is.  Taking a year off from the NFL, but not football was mentioned as he watched his grandkids play this beautiful game.  Carroll also talked about helping his own sons, who hold positions in the NFL as staff members.  He deemed the time as extremely valuable.   Now the other aspect of time was talked about in a division where all teams except the Raiders made the playoffs in 2024.  Everybody understands that Carroll is 73 years old.  I would argue that he is 73 and turning 64 in September.  It was obvious this is not a man who is defined by his age and he even mentioned that what fuels him is competing every day and battling to get better! 

Can Carroll Attract Big Names? 

Being an attractive destination is crucial for securing key free agents, and last year the Raiders successfully attracted Christian Wilkins from Miami. However, excitement turned to disappointment when a foot injury derailed his season. This year, the Raiders face stiff competition from other teams like the Commanders, who not only boast a promising future with a young, talented quarterback who led them to the NFC Championship game, but they also have the funds to entice free agents to our Nation’s Capital.

This season is pivotal for the Raiders’ new regime, and as previously mentioned, time is of the essence. Players like DK Metcalf and Chris Godwin have already been mentioned as potential free agents or trade candidates who could join the team this offseason.  One important point to consider is who will be throwing the ball to these potential wide receivers. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. This off-season promises to be exciting.  Looking at the Raiders’ defense, there were moments last season. Particularly toward the end. In their last three games, the Raiders allowed the eighth-fewest points per game, averaging 19.3 points. Coach Carroll emphasizes building a defense with a strong secondary to stop opposing offenses. In Seattle, he established the “Legion of Boom,” and I believe we could have the “Allegiant of Doom” here in Vegas!

The Breakdown 

Culture change and a sense of urgency in the NFL are futile.  It feels different this time and Pete Carroll is a natural “Leader of Men” capable of turning a franchise around pretty quickly.  Sure, you have to have players that are used to winning and know how to win. But to truly build a winning franchise, it starts at the top, and the ten combined Super Bowl Rings between minority owner Tom Brady, General Manager John Spytek, and Head Coach Pete Carroll should have all Raiders fans at least believing there is a chance.  For myself, all I have been looking for is a shot, and again it feels different.  There is still a lot of work to do but with these essential pieces in place at the top, the trickle-down effect should be felt.  Like Pete Carroll asked Maxx Crobsy to get the troops ready we should all fall in line and get ready to “Just Win Baby!”