Jan 7, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll talks with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the first half of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports Jan 7, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll talks with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the first half of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Pete Carroll Opens Up About Relationship With QB Geno Smith

Originally posted on Raiders Newswire | By Corey Hansford | Last updated May 21, 2025 2:21 PM ET

One of the most essential things the Las Vegas Raiders had to do this offseason was upgrade the quarterback position. They did just that by acquiring Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks and signing him to a contract extension. The move reunites Smith with Pete Carroll, who is now the head coach of the Raiders and who helped guide Smith to his greatest success while with the Seahawks.

Smith and Carroll had a great relationship during their time together, and that continued even after Carroll was let go by the Seahawks. Now that they’re back together with the Raiders, Carroll is excited about the opportunity that lies ahead for someone he is very close with.

Carroll recently appeared on Brock and Salk of Seattle Sports, where he opened up about his relationship with Smith, how it grew into what it is now, and what the quarterback is already bringing to the Raiders this offseason, via Raiders1022 on X:

#Raiders Head Coach Pete Carrol speaks about the infamous plane ride to Indianapolis and trading for Geno Smith

“The Report here is that you were sitting coach and everyone else was sitting first class. Is that true?”

“Is that when the Geno Smith trade happened?” @SeattleSports pic.twitter.com/RZfmLrQDdd

— ShifftttyyyQB1 (@raiders1022) May 14, 2025

As he laid out, Carroll was instrumental in the resurrection of Smith’s career, and the quarterback did a lot for Carroll as well. There’s a reason why they remained close once Carroll was gone and why the coach pushed for the Smith trade once he joined the Raiders. Not only is Smith an upgrade at the position, but he is familiar with the system and can come in seamlessly, knowing what’s expected of him.

The coach and quarterback must be on one accord, and Carroll and Smith already have that part down pat. Now, the pressure will be on them to come together and lift up this Raiders offense, and they already have a foundation set to do so.

Raiders to face New England Patriots in 2025 regular season opener

The first regular season game with the Raiders for both Pete Carroll and Geno Smith will come on the road as Las Vegas will travel to the Northeast to face the New England Patriots in their 2025 regular season opener.

This game will mark the debuts of both Smith and Carroll, as well as first-round pick running back Ashton Jeanty. Raiders minority owner Tom Brady’s history with the Patriots adds some additional storylines, not to mention former Raiders coach Josh McDaniels is back in New England as offensive coordinator.

This article first appeared on Raiders Newswire and was syndicated with permission.

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