The Las Vegas Raiders have introduced Pete Carroll as their new head coach and John Spytek as the general manager, marking a significant shift in leadership. Carroll, at 73, emphasized a competitive culture and the importance of teamwork in his introductory press conference. He highlighted that his return to coaching wasn’t about chasing accolades but about applying insights from his year away from the game.
During his time off, Carroll stayed connected to football by observing various levels of play, including his grandson’s high school games, and learning from former assistants now leading NFL teams. He stressed the value of continuous learning and curiosity.
Spytek echoed Carroll’s sentiments on leadership, stating that finding leaders within the team is crucial. Although the Raiders hold the No. 6 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, neither Carroll nor Spytek committed to drafting a quarterback but acknowledged the importance of finding a leader at the position.
The involvement of minority owner Tom Brady in team decisions was also noted. Carroll mentioned that Brady, who owns a 5% stake in the franchise, will play a role in shaping the team’s culture and decision-making process.