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Pete Carroll, Geno Smith have opportunity to make history

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Derek Hegna | Last updated Aug 22, 2025 2:27 PM ET

The logic that went into the Las Vegas Raiders’ decision to trade for quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks was easy to deduce.

Underneath head coach Pete Carroll, Smith enjoyed a career renaissance in Seattle with his best stretch of play in the NFL. When Carroll made his return to coaching in Las Vegas and the Raiders were in the market for a quarterback, Smith was easy to circle as an option. The Raiders have been starved for consistency under center over the past couple of seasons, and they are desperately hoping for Smith and Carroll’s chemistry to click once again.

If it does, the duo has the chance to enter the NFL’s record books.

Carroll and Smith have won together once, and they know they can do it again.

According to the Associated Press, if the Raiders punch their ticket to the playoffs, Carroll and Smith will become the second head coach-quarterback pairing to make the postseason with two different franchises.

If #Raiders make playoffs, Geno Smith and Pete Carroll can join Earl Morrall and Don Shula as only QB-coach combo with a playoff start with 2 franchises.

— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) August 11, 2025

Shula and Morrall became the first duo to complete the goal with the then-Baltimore Colts and Miami Dolphins, but that took place more than 50 years ago.

It is clear that Carroll and Smith know how to win with one another, as they made the playoffs with the Seahawks back in 2022. However, the AFC West ensures that the road back will not be easy. If the Raiders hope to make it that far, they will need big seasons from many of their top players, including Smith.

If Carroll and Smith can recreate the magic in Seattle, Raiders fans will have plenty to celebrate.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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