Raiders HC Pete Carroll sets lofty expectations for team in 2025

Winning a "bunch of games" hasn't been in the Raiders' vocabulary for over two decades. The Raiders only won 10 or more games twice in 2016 (12-4) and 2021 (10-7). Last season, the Raiders finished last in the AFC West with a 4-13 record, which led to the firing of former head coach Antonio Pierce.

Entering his 19th season as an NFL coach, Carroll has won 10 or more games in nine of those seasons and has a winning record in 13 seasons. It's no wonder he has such confidence because his coaching record speaks for itself and he figures he can turn the Raiders around.

That said, these Raiders remain unproven going into the season, especially playing in the highly-competitive AFC West where they will see Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs twice a year. Granted, the Raiders upgraded at quarterback with the acquisition of Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks and have Pro Bowl tight end Brock Bowers and welcome the return of star pass rusher Maxx Crosby, but questions still remain in other areas of the roster, including the availability of DT Christian Wilkins, who is on the PUP list because of a foot injury.

While the Raiders don't have the toughest schedule in 2025, Carroll's bold claim still raises eyebrows. However, if he manages to pull out 10 or more wins this season then he should easily be named NFL Coach of the Year.