Pete Carroll Speaks Out on Raiders' Staff Changes

Originally posted on Las Vegas Raiders on SI
By Ezekiel Trezevant | Last updated Nov 7, 2025 5:10 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders' special teams have had several plays over multiple games that have directly led to most of the Raiders' seven losses this season. Las Vegas' special teams have been anything but special this season.

Raiders Make a Change

The Raiders' special teams have been a problem in nearly every game this season. For all the issues the Raiders have had, their special teams unit has not-so-quietly been one of the most significant problems during their 2-7 start to the season.

Against the Los Angeles Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, and Denver Broncos, the Raiders allowed a blocked punt. Against the Washington Commanders, the Raiders allowed the Commanders to nearly take the opening kickoff back for a touchdown.

Washington scored a few plays later, the Raiders lost each of those games. Las Vegas also missed a game-winning field goal against the Chicago Bears. In overtime against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas allowed a 54-yard kickoff return to set the Jaguars up well to start the extra period.

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

After giving up a blocked punt in their own territory that gifted the Broncos the go-ahead field goal, the Raiders missed a chip-shot field goal that would have tied the game late in the fourth quarter. With the way Las Vegas' defense was playing, the Raiders' missed field goal was the last straw.

Friday, one day after the Raiders ' loss to the Broncos, Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll decided to move on from Special Teams Coordinator Tom McMahon.

"Earlier today, we made the tough decision to relieve Tom McMahon of his duties as special teams coordinator. I have a great amount of respect for Tom and the work that he has done in this league, but we have decided to move in a different direction," Carroll said.

"Derius Swinton II will assume special teams coordinator duties on an interim basis, and we are excited to attack the second half of this season with outstanding intent and purpose. We are grateful for Tom and his work here with the Raiders and wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”

This article first appeared on Las Vegas Raiders on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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