Incoming Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll could reunite with Russell Wilson in a surprising turn of events, according to recent reports. Carroll, who led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl championship in 2014, has returned to the NFL sidelines after a one-year hiatus. ESPN’s Adam Schefter announced that the 73-year-old has signed a three-year contract, with an option for a fourth, to take over the Raiders, making him the league’s oldest head coach.
Carroll’s return comes as the Raiders look to rebuild after a dismal 4-13 season in 2024, which saw them rely on Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell as their quarterbacks. As Carroll begins his tenure at Allegiant Stadium, speculation has already begun about his quarterback plans, with The Athletic’s Jeff Howe suggesting a potential reunion with Wilson is on the table.
Wilson, 36, enjoyed his greatest career successes under Carroll during their time in Seattle. The duo guided the Seahawks to their only Super Bowl win in 2013 and returned to the big game in 2014, losing to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Since leaving Seattle in 2022,
Wilson’s career has faced challenges, including a disappointing stint with the Denver Broncos, widely regarded as one of the worst trades in NFL history.
Denver’s decision to extend Wilson with a five-year, $250 million deal before he played a single down proved costly. The Broncos endured significant financial losses and took an $89 million dead cap hit across the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Wilson struggled during his time in Denver but showed glimpses of his former self after joining the Pittsburgh Steelers on a veteran-minimum deal in 2024, going 6-5 in 11 starts before a playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
While discussions of a Raiders reunion gain traction, Wilson recently revealed ongoing contract negotiations with the Steelers. Speaking on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show, he expressed optimism about his future in Pittsburgh, calling it an “exciting time” for the team.
Whether Carroll and Wilson will reunite in Las Vegas remains uncertain, but their shared history and mutual success make the prospect an intriguing storyline as the NFL offseason unfolds.
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