The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2025 season has been filled with challenges, culminating in a narrow 23-21 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 16. Despite the defeat, the game offered a glimpse of hope for the struggling franchise. Head coach Pete Carroll, reflecting on the team’s current state and future, shared insightful thoughts on the path ahead and his own role in it.
The Raiders have faced an uphill battle all season, holding one of the NFL’s poorest records at 2-13 heading into their final two games. Since their Week 10 loss to the Denver Broncos, competitive performances have been scarce. The Texans, on a hot streak themselves, appeared poised to hand the Raiders another heavy defeat. Yet, the Raiders remained competitive throughout the game, producing their most impressive offensive display since Week 9 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty was a standout performer, rushing for 128 yards and scoring both a rushing and a 60-yard receiving touchdown. Alongside him, star tight end Brock Bowers made a significant impact with a touchdown catch, demonstrating the potential residing within the team’s young core. Even the Raiders defense played well, helping the team outgain the Texans 315 to 270 yards. But costly errors—including a critical early pick-six thrown by quarterback Geno Smith and nine penalties spanning 85 yards—ultimately sealed their fate.
In the aftermath of the game, Carroll was candid about the reality facing the franchise. When asked if the Raiders needed a rebuild to regain competitiveness, he agreed that such a process was likely necessary. At 74, Carroll acknowledged the personal and professional implications of undertaking a years-long rebuilding project. However, he expressed a genuine desire to remain involved, stating, “I would love to. I really like this place, and I like this team, and I love working with (John Spytek).”
The uncertainty surrounding Carroll’s future with the Raiders is palpable. While he brings a proven track record as a head coach, his tenure might not align with the timelines required for a full rebuild. The league-wide coaching candidate pool may not currently offer an obvious upgrade, potentially making Carroll a logical choice to steer the team through its transition. Yet, pressure will mount if the Raiders continue to lose and if Carroll’s approach to integrating and developing young talent does not evolve—particularly his tendency to favor veteran players facing performance struggles over giving rookies more playing time.
Ultimately, the Raiders’ recent effort against the Texans offered a ray of optimism for a team desperate to find its footing. Whether Pete Carroll remains qualified and willing to lead the franchise through its next chapter remains to be seen. What is clear is that the Raiders are poised at a critical crossroads—one that will shape the organization’s future in the NFL.
