The Las Vegas Raiders appear to have a strong interest in Detroit Lions offensive coordinator as their top choice for head coach. However, the Raiders face stiff competition from other teams, including the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars, which could complicate their pursuit.
If he opts to join another team, the Raiders are reportedly prepared with alternative options. According to The Athletic’s Tashan Reed, their backup plan includes former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.
Reed noted in a January 19 column, “If Johnson turns the Raiders down, they have alternatives.” The list of candidates includes Robert Saleh, Ron Rivera, Aaron Glenn, and Johnson himself. Additionally, the Raiders have already interviewed Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. They’ve also requested an interview with Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, though that meeting has yet to take place.
Former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll is reportedly the Raiders’ backup option for head coach, according to league sources, should their top choice, Ben Johnson, decide to go elsewhere. Carroll, who also interviewed with the Chicago Bears, brings extensive experience, having served as an NFL head coach three times—with the Jets (1994), Patriots (1997-1999), and Seahawks (2010-2023). Additionally, he had a highly successful stint as USC’s head coach from 2001 to 2009.
Though Carroll will turn 74 during the 2025 season, making him the oldest head coach in NFL history, he remains highly energetic and accomplished. Over his 14 seasons with Seattle, Carroll never lost more than 10 games in a season and only missed the playoffs four times, a testament to his consistency and ability to build sustainable success.
While Johnson’s youth and offensive expertise make him a more exciting candidate, Carroll offers a proven track record of creating and maintaining winning programs over the long term.
Raiders May Pivot at GM if Ben Johnson Goes Elsewhere
Ben Johnson’s decision carries significant weight for the Las Vegas Raiders, potentially shaping not just their head coach hire but also their general manager selection. The team is interviewing Washington Commanders assistant GM Lance Newmark for the general manager role. Newmark, who spent over two decades with the Detroit Lions, has a strong relationship with Johnson.
If Johnson chooses to stay with the Lions or join another team, the Raiders are unlikely to pursue Newmark further, according to The Athletic’s Tashan Reed.
“The Raiders would likely turn to a different GM candidate if they hired Carroll,” Reed reported. Alongside Newmark, other candidates include Chicago Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham, Tennessee Titans senior personnel executive Ryan Cowden, and former Raiders executive Reggie McKenzie. Virtual interviews were also conducted with Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant GM John Spytek, Pittsburgh Steelers director of pro personnel Sheldon White, and Green Bay Packers vice president of player personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan.
With several alternatives, the Raiders appear prepared to adjust their plans should the potential pairing of Johnson and Newmark not materialize.
Could Carroll Be a Better Fit Than Johnson?
Many Raiders fans are enthusiastic about the prospect of hiring Ben Johnson, but questions remain about his readiness. At just 38 years old and with no head coaching experience at any level, it’s uncertain if he can effectively lead an entire team rather than just the offense.
On the other hand, Pete Carroll is a proven winner with a track record of building successful cultures. While he isn’t a long-term solution, his experience and leadership could be exactly what the Raiders need in the short term. However, relying on a 73-year-old coach to guide a young team raises concerns about sustainability and whether it addresses the team’s long-term needs.
While Carroll would bring stability and success in the immediate future, Johnson might be a better fit for the Raiders’ current trajectory. As a youthful and innovative offensive mind, he aligns more closely with the team’s rebuilding efforts and future growth.