A late Christmas Carroll.
Although the festive season may be over, the Las Vegas Raiders have a new carol to sing about as they have announced Pete Carroll as their new head coach.
A three-year deal, with a team option of a fourth, will see the spry and exuberant 73-year-old embark on another programme-building journey.
The adult in the room
Establishing a programme at the University of Southern California (USC) and the Seattle Seahawks, Carroll has shown to be a leader and motivator.
With only two playoff trips since their Super Bowl appearance in the 2002 season, the Raiders have been in desperate need of stability and leadership.
With the soon-to-be oldest head coach in NFL history, the Raiders finally have an adult in the building.
What to expect
Based on qualifications, Carroll was one of, if not, the best candidate available.
One losing season since 2012, 10 playoff appearances with the Seahawks, two Super Bowl appearances and a Lombardi Trophy. A perfect blend of experience and success.
The only reason, he was not more widely considered around the league after being forced out in Seattle, was age.
Although turning 74 at the start of the season, everyone can see Carroll is no normal 74-year-old.
However, it would be foolish to expect Carroll to be here for the next 10-15 years. Something reflected by the contract.
Cause for concern
Coaches with a record of 137-89-1 are not normally let go by organisations for no reason.
Despite never truly bottoming-out in Seattle, the success of the early 2010s had definitely fizzled out.
Whether this was the result of ‘letting Russ cook’ or not, some of the numbers point towards a steady decline.
No top-10 finishes in rushing yards since 2019 and only one top-10 finish in passing yards.
But Carroll was a defensive coach though? He did preside over the one of leagues best defenses for a number of years.
Again, this declined over the back-end of his tenure.
Falling outside of the top-10 in most defensive statistical categories 2017 does not point to an elite defense either.
What does this all mean?
Despite the decline in Seattle, they never truly hit rock-bottom and remained competitive.
They could be classed as the NFC West Pittsburgh Steelers.
Experienced coach with previous success stuck in a cycle of elite mediocrity where they are unable to truly compete but never bad enough to truly rebuild.
This combined with the concerns and shorter contract, point towards this being a move for culture.
A leader who can build a culture and an infrastructure.
Although this may not breed instant success, this is a long-term move, designed to make Las Vegas an attractive destination.
Hopefully this now keeps the Raiders competing in stacked AFC West coaching gauntlet.
