Pete Carroll: The Revolution in the Raiders with Contagious Energy and New Culture

Pete Carroll injects renewed energy into the Raiders

The new Las Vegas Raiders coach, Pete Carroll, has transformed the team’s atmosphere with his overflowing energy, even during the preseason minicamp. Carroll, known for his enthusiasm, has implemented an approach that seeks to revitalize the team’s culture and ignite the competitive flame in each player. Dressed in a white long-sleeved t-shirt, gray sweats, and a Raiders cap, Carroll turned the warm-up into a kind of wrestling match, surprising offensive lineman Thayer Munford Jr., who is 6’6″ and 328 pounds. “I pinned him,” Carroll declared.

Pete Carroll is having a blast in Vegas 🤣 pic.twitter.com/62jY3b65p5

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) June 11, 2024

The 73-year-old coach didn’t stop there. He threw the ball during special teams drills and occasionally raced the defensive backs to reach a corner of the field before the start of individual practice. Carroll’s energy is contagious, forcing players to match his intensity and effort.

He has a lot of energy, man.

Jakobi Meyers, Wide Receiver

Carroll’s arrival in February not only seeks to improve the Raiders’ performance, but also to establish a lasting culture. Players express their enthusiasm for arriving at the facilities at 5 in the morning, and use Carroll’s favorite term, “compete”, at every opportunity.

You can’t have a great team without great teammates. There’s a whole process to achieve that, and part of that is participating in what we ask them to do, as wild as it seems or as crazy as they think it is.

Pete Carroll

Carroll’s new philosophy has injected new life into an organization that needs a major change. General Manager John Spytek highlights the effort to establish a new identity for the Raiders. Cornerback Darien Porter recalls his “pinch-me moment” at rookie minicamp. He grew up admiring Carroll at USC, and now he sees him on the field, sharing advice with the defensive backs. Carroll’s experience, with wins in the Rose Bowl and the Super Bowl, inspires the players. Playing for him is another dream come true. Jack Bech, Raiders rookie receiver The Raiders’ training program included creative activities to stimulate the competitive spirit, including field goal competitions, cornhole games, and basketball courts. Carroll’s enthusiasm is palpable, and his energy is contagious. All-Pro punter AJ Cole points out that the team needed this change after a few difficult years. Carroll has generated optimism, and Cole signed a four-year, $15.8 million contract extension. Maxx Crosby, star defensive end, describes the 2024 season as “one of the most difficult years” of his life. Crosby has witnessed the energy Carroll has brought to the team, inspiring him to be the best version of himself.

Pete creates that culture where everyone knows it’s difficult. You’re going to work hard, but you have a complete group and an organization of people who have to be on the same wavelength and go in the same direction. That’s one of the most difficult things you can do.

Maxx Crosby

John Glenn, linebackers coach, who worked with Carroll on the Seahawks, highlights Carroll’s ability to connect with everyone. Glenn adds that Carroll’s philosophy of competition transcends the playing field, encouraging his staff to compete in all aspects of their lives. Starting left tackle Kolton Miller watches Carroll push the coaches. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham benefits from the opportunity to discuss ideas with Carroll. As the offseason program concludes, it’s evident that Carroll has gotten the team invested in the culture he’s building.

He believes that if you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and can get a group of people to do the same, then good things will happen.

Chip Kelly, Offensive Coordinator