In an exciting development for the Las Vegas Raiders, the team has appointed Pete Carroll as their new head coach following a 17-day search. This move marks a historic moment in the National Football League (NFL), as Carroll is set to become the oldest head coach in the league's history when the 2025 season begins.
Pete Carroll's historic NFL journey
Pete Carroll, who previously served as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, has had a long and successful coaching career. At 72 years and 114 days old, Carroll led the Seahawks in his final game on January 7, 2024. This made him the fourth-oldest head coach in NFL history at the time. However, when he takes the field for his first game with the Raiders in September 2025, he will be just days shy of turning 74. This milestone will officially make him the oldest coach to ever lead an NFL team.
Carroll’s appointment adds him to a select group of coaches who have coached past the age of 70. Only five coaches in NFL history have reached this impressive age while still leading their teams, with Carroll set to join this prestigious group in 2025.
Here’s a look at the five oldest head coaches when they coached their final NFL game:
Romeo Crennel – 73 years, 199 days (Final game: Jan. 3, 2021)
George Halas – 72 years, 318 days (Final game: Dec. 17, 1968)
Marv Levy – 72 years, 139 days (Final game: Dec. 20, 1997)
Pete Carroll – 72 years, 114 days (Final game: Jan. 7, 2024)
Bill Belichick – 71 years, 266 days (Final game: Jan. 7, 2024)
While Crennel holds the record, it's important to note that he was an interim coach for the Houston Texans. If we focus on coaches hired specifically as head coaches, the record belongs to George Halas, whose record has stood for almost 57 years. Carroll is poised to break this longstanding record.
Here’s a look at the five oldest active head coaches in the NFL:
As of now, Pete Carroll will take the top spot on the list of the oldest active coaches in the NFL, set to surpass several current veterans in the league. Below is a look at the oldest coaches in the NFL (those 60 years and older).
Pete Carroll (Raiders) – 73 years old (Sept. 15, 1951)
Andy Reid (Chiefs) – 66 years old (March 19, 1958)
John Harbaugh (Ravens) – 62 years old (Sept. 23, 1962)
Todd Bowles (Buccaneers) – 61 years old (Nov. 18, 1963)
Jim Harbaugh (Chargers) – 61 years old (Dec. 23, 1963)
Sean Payton (Broncos) – 61 years old (Dec. 29, 1963)
In an interesting twist, the youngest coach in the NFL is Mike Macdonald, who replaced Carroll in Seattle. At just 37 years old, Macdonald won’t turn 38 until June.
As Pete Carroll steps into his new role with the Las Vegas Raiders, his vast experience and wisdom will undoubtedly make an impact. His appointment signals a new chapter for both the Raiders and Carroll, who is poised to further cement his legacy in the NFL while breaking records that have stood for decades.