With the 2024 season being especially tough for the Las Vegas Raiders, they needed to make a change in the offseason. The team finished with their worst record (.235 winning percentage) since 2014, placing last in the division and missing the playoffs for a third straight year.
In truth, the Raiders have continually chopped and changed things around the franchise to try to improve. There have been several different head coaches in place at the organization, with Antonio Pierce having been the latest in a long list of failed hirings.
Having replaced Josh McDaniels (who went 6-11 in 2022), Pierce led the team to second place in the AFC West in 2023 but still had a losing record (8-9) and missed the playoffs. Last season was their worst year in over a decade, as they finished with a 4-13 record, at the bottom of the division, and once again missed the postseason.
Now, they’ve made some changes that could excite many, especially in the coaching department. In fact, there are many who have become excited by some of the changes that have been made, with bettors even taking an interest. If you check out the sportsbooks available and visit this website, you may find that their odds have changed since the beginning of the offseason.
Pete Carroll and John Spytek arrive
One thing that has gotten bettors and Raiders fans excited alike is the arrival of an experienced duo in senior positions on the team. Pete Carroll was appointed as the new head coach to replace Pierce and it feels a bit like a statement appointment.
He is a former Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks and has plenty of experience around the NFL. The 73-year-old has been involved in the league in various roles, with his first being back in 1984 when he was the defensive backs coach with the Buffalo Bills. As a head coach, he has also held the role at the New York Jets and the New England Patriots.
In addition to his arrival, John Spytek has arrived as the new general manager and is a two-time Super Bowl champion. He won his first as a national scout with the Denver Broncos, while his previous came when he was director of player personnel at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He would eventually become the assistant to the general manager, spending last season in the role.
Both will bring a new dynamic to the organization, which could help to bring a winning mentality to the team and finally bring the Las Vegas Raiders back to a winning record.
Experienced Coaching Staff
The Raiders have added further experience to the backroom staff to help Carroll. Chip Kelly is a former NFL head coach (Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers) and will be employed as the new offensive coordinator. He should help overhaul the offense and get the team playing quality offensive football.
He will be assisted by Brennan Carroll (offensive line coach), Greg Olson (quarterbacks coach), Chris Beatty (wide receivers) and others to try and bring a fresh approach to the team with the ball. On the other side of the ball, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham remains, which should help maintain some continuity and further improve the team under his guidance.
Roster Improvements
Of course, there have been many changes to take place on the field regarding player personnel, too. The Raiders have added experience at quarterback to a room that was severely lacking. Geno Smith was acquired to reunite with Carroll in Las Vegas after the time they shared in Seattle. His experience and league know-how should bring an immediate improvement to the offense. Desmond Ridder and Gardner Minshew have since both left.
Ashton Jeanty was arguably one of the most exciting additions to the team’s roster, with him being drafted in the first round (#6 overall). He will be helped in his rookie season by experienced Pro Bowler Raheem Mostert, who signed in free agency. Offense will also be improved by the additions of rookie pass-catchers Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton, as they’ll join breakout star tight end Brock Bowers.
The offensive line saw the addition of experienced Alex Cappa at guard, which should add further solidity to the O-line, while draft picks Charles Grant and Caleb Rogers could work out well if they get on the field.
Defensively, Elandon Roberts (linebacker) and Jeremy Chinn (safety) have arrived to add experience, as has Eric Stokes (cornerback). Maxx Crosby also re-signed to a new contract extension, which will ultimately boost confidence as they were able to retain their star player.
Plenty to be excited over
For the Las Vegas Raiders, things are trending in a positive direction. The team has been making improvements that should help them be a challenging opponent.
Carroll will still need to get the best out of this team if they are to challenge for the AFC West, but an improvement on the 4-13 record should be the least that we can expect heading into the 2025 NFL season.
*Top Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images