The longtime admiration Pete Carroll has had for Geno Smith has never been a secret. At one point, Carroll went as far as calling Smith one of his “All-time favorite guys.” Likewise, Smith’s admiration for Carroll has been well publicized right back; it comes as little surprise that the two made a reunion happen as members of the Las Vegas Raiders organization.
On Wednesday, following the first day of open OTAs, Carroll was asked how he felt to once again coach Geno. Spoiler alert: The 73-year-old couldn’t be more happy to reunite with his quarterback.
“I really feel so fortunate that we were able to get that done. Because of all that he brings,” Carroll noted of Smith.
“To me, he’s just been emblematic of what a leader should be, by his habits and by the way he brings himself every day. He’s the first guy out here. He’s the last guy to leave. It’s really important that he stands for what leadership is all about. And he’s a good football player, too. He’s looked great in practice so far, so I’m really excited about what he’s bringing.”
This isn’t the first time Carroll noted his quarterback was emblematic of something. Back in Seattle, the Super Bowl winning head coach praised Smith for the power of believing in one’s self.
“[Smith]’s taught us about belief in yourself and how powerful that is. As clear as an illustration as anyone that I can ever remember,” said Carroll.
Pete Carroll and Geno Smith: Reuniting with the Las Vegas Raiders
Naturally, many are curious as to how Carroll and Smith are coming along together with a new team. While Smith has the sixth-most total wins by a quarterback league-wide since 2022, that was in a different city with different teammates and different coaches.
So what’s different now?
Well, not much; aside from the city, teammates and coaches, of course. Smith is still the leader he always was with the same burning will to win football games, no matter the situation. And Carroll? He’s still the same demanding, yet affectionate coach he’s always been.
That’s why virtually everyone who’s played for Carroll loves him–especially Smith, who rejected a contract extension from the Seattle Seahawks in hopes of reuniting with his coach in Sin City. Which is exactly what ended up happening.
On Wednesday, coach Carroll shared what it’s like to be partnered back up with Geno.
“It’s been a natural transition. From the time we first contacted him and let him know we were in on this deal and we were trying to see if we could make some sense of it. We were both excited about it, and I feel really like we’re connected at the hip. And we have so much background.
“It’s not just the couple seasons that he played, it’s all of the years he was there. Because to me, coaching the next quarterback up is really, really crucial. So we spent a lot of time communicating and setting our priorities straight, staying on course. And he’s just been a champion at that. And now, he comes out the other end of that timeframe and he’s an elite quarterback in the league. What he brings to us is great confidence.”
To some, the label of ‘elite’ may be a stretch. And, in general, it just might be. But Geno Smith certainly comes with his fair share of elite traits in any case. You can read about them here.
In the meantime, OTAs continue for the Las Vegas Raiders.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
Consistency, Belief, And Elite Deep-Ball Talent: Pete Carroll And Geno Smith Reunite With Raiders