Pete Carroll’s Compass: Guiding The Raiders Through Difficult Start

LAS VEGAS — Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll is no stranger to questions about culture. It has followed him from USC to Seattle, and now to Sin City. When asked this week what he embraces most about instilling his philosophy with a new team, Carroll didn’t hesitate: “This is kind of what I do, so I really embrace all of it. I like every aspect of it.”

That line captures the essence of Carroll’s approach. His “Always Compete” mantra isn’t just a slogan, it’s a framework. It shapes how he teaches, how he motivates, and ultimately how his teams respond to adversity. Carroll made it clear that words alone don’t create culture. “They hear the words and they hear the thoughts, until we actually get out here and practice and work and have games to deal with,” he said. “Wins and losses… that’s where it comes to life.”

For the Raiders, that message lands at a pivotal time. This franchise is still striving for consistent leadership after years of turnover. While Carroll’s approach may seem straightforward—practice, compete, improve—it necessitates buy-in from a locker room that has experienced many fleeting slogans. What sets Carroll apart is his unwavering energy, treating every moment, from walkthroughs to film sessions, as a chance to strengthen that culture.

Pete Carroll also acknowledged the human aspect of the job…

He emphasized the importance of meeting players, observing their reactions to both successes and setbacks, and influencing how they conduct themselves after a significant victory or a painful defeat. “Big wins can be just as challenging as big losses in the next week,” Carroll noted, emphasizing the discipline required to sustain momentum.

It’s no surprise that Carroll finds joy in the grind. At 74, he still speaks with the enthusiasm of a coach starting out for the first time. For the Raiders, that passion could be the key to moving beyond another average season and establishing a new standard in Las Vegas. While culture alone won’t win games, in Carroll’s hands, it serves as the guiding compass for everything else.