Could Raiders have Pete Carroll’s eventual replacement in place?
Now, that Patrick Graham has been retained by new Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll as the defensive coordinator, there has been a lot of discussion and speculation that perhaps the Raiders and Graham have a deal that he will be the successor to Carroll as the Raiders’ next head coach whenever that may be.
The notion is understandable and believable. But, it’s also premature and unnecessary.
The Raiders don’t to have a form plan for the post Carroll era yet.
From listening to Carroll — who will be the 74 in September and will will be the oldest NFL head coach in history in his first game as the Raiders’ leader — it is clear he is not focused on when he is going to leave this post. He has a three-year contract with a team option for a fourth season. It’s apparent that Carroll’s mindset is fulfilling that commitment and perhaps beyond.
Also, Graham is probably not interested in being overly patient when it comes to becoming a head-coach. He has interviewed for head-coaching jobs the past two offseasons. He probably decided to come back to Las Vegas and work under Carroll because he thinks it can help him get a head-coaching job quickly, perhaps as soon as in 2026.
Also, there is no need to make plans for down the road now, Anyway, let’s see how things work. Let’s see how Carroll does. Let’s see how Graham does. Let’s see if anyone else on the staff stands out. Let’s just see.
We just saw how having a successor already pinned down worked in New England in 2024. There’s no rush to over-plan here.
Just let’s Carroll and Graham work together in 2025 and let the future sort itself out when the time comes.
