The Las Vegas Raiders will begin a new chapter in the 2025 NFL season under the leadership of head coach Pete Carroll. Alongside minority owner Tom Brady, Carroll is ready to take on new challenges with the AFC West franchise. However, the experienced tactical strategist revealed new details about his departure from the Seattle Seahawks.

Not only did the Raiders receive Carroll from Seattle, they also included former Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith in their rebuild. These two moves are evidence of a change in management planning that will impact the team’s present.

Carroll commented on the Seahawks‘ management change, which was overseen by owner Jody Allen. The current Raiders head coach linked his departure to Seattle’s general manager, John Schneider. It all relates to who has the final say in sports decision-making.

Carroll’s revelation about his departure from the Seahawks

“It came to me that there was a time that we probably were about to face one of the bigger changes, shifts, in the time of the program, and I had really been dedicated, as John Schneider had been dedicated too, to doing this thing in great fashion together,” Carroll said in an interview with Brock & Salk.

Head coach Pete Carroll of the Las Vegas Raiders speaks to the media during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“It was really John’s turn, it was his turn to take over. I had the lead voice and all of that all through that time, and I was really hoping that John could become the general manager of the club and run it. And if we could do that and figure a way to get out of that, we did. Jody was great about it, and so we just kind of agreed upon it that if we could work it out, I would support the thought. That’s kind of how it happened, so it’s a little bit different than maybe how people perceived it,” Carroll also said.

Carroll left a message relevant to his new cycle with the Raiders

While discussing his previous time with the Seahawks, Carroll made a comment that applies to Tom Brady and Raiders general manager Jon Gruden. “The relationship between the head coach and the general manager is the most important aspect in the NFL,” Carroll said.