When the Las Vegas Raiders announced Pete Carroll as their new head coach for the 2025 NFL season, it sent ripples across the football world. Known for his high-energy sideline presence, positive team culture, and a rare combination of college and professional football success, Carroll’s move to the Raiders marks a fresh chapter in a storied career. For fans searching “Who is Pete Carroll Raiders”, the answer is as layered as the man himself — a legendary coach, a motivator, a family man, and one of the sport’s most respected figures.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into Pete Carroll’s life and career, from his early years to his days as a young coach, through his remarkable run at USC, his iconic tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, and now his mission to reshape the Raiders. We’ll also look at his personal life — including his wife, Glena Goranson — as well as his age, height, contract details, and net worth.
Who Is Pete Carroll?
Pete Carroll is a highly accomplished American football coach, widely recognized for his infectious enthusiasm, relentless positivity, and unparalleled adaptability. Born September 15, 1951, in San Francisco, California, Carroll carved out a unique place in football history. He is one of the few coaches to win both a college football national championship and a Super Bowl — achievements that have cemented his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
Carroll’s coaching journey has taken him through both the NFL and NCAA ranks. He has led powerhouse teams, built winning cultures, and mentored countless athletes who went on to achieve greatness. His arrival in Las Vegas is not just another coaching hire; it’s a statement that the Raiders are aiming for a cultural and competitive transformation.
Pete Carroll and the Raiders: A New Beginning
When the Raiders unveiled Carroll as their head coach in 2025, fans were curious about what the veteran leader would bring to the table. The Raiders have long been known for their rebellious image and passionate fan base. Carroll’s arrival signals a shift toward discipline, team unity, and high expectations.
In training camp, Carroll confidently declared, “We are going to win a ton,” setting the tone for the upcoming season. His experience building championship teams, coupled with a strong quarterback addition in Geno Smith, has already led analysts to label the Raiders as one of the NFL’s most improved teams.
Interestingly, Carroll’s move to the Raiders was influenced by none other than Tom Brady, who, despite being retired, has an advisory presence with the team. Carroll acknowledged Brady’s influence, noting that the quarterback legend’s involvement was “too big to ignore” in his decision to come out of retirement.
Pete Carroll Young: Early Life and Career Beginnings
Before he was pacing NFL sidelines, Pete Carroll was just a kid from Northern California with a passion for sports. Growing up in Greenbrae, he attended Redwood High School, where he excelled in multiple sports, including football, basketball, and baseball.
Carroll played college football at the University of the Pacific as a defensive back, graduating in 1973. After brief stints attempting a professional playing career, he shifted his focus to coaching — a decision that would shape the rest of his life.
In his early coaching days, Carroll was an assistant at several universities before breaking into the NFL as a defensive backs coach with the Buffalo Bills and later with the Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets. His first head coaching role came in 1994 with the Jets, though it was short-lived. However, those formative years built the foundation for the philosophy he would later perfect.
Pete Carroll USC Glory Years
Carroll’s most famous college chapter began in 2001 when he was hired as head coach of the University of Southern California Trojans. Initially met with skepticism — many considered him a fallback hire — Carroll quickly proved his critics wrong.
Over nine seasons, Carroll transformed USC into a national powerhouse, winning seven Pac-10 titles and two national championships (2003, 2004). His “Always Compete” mantra became synonymous with Trojan football, and he produced numerous NFL stars, including Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, and Troy Polamalu.
Carroll’s USC era was defined not only by victories but also by a joyful, open practice environment that invited fans and fostered a sense of community. Even after leaving for the NFL, Carroll remained beloved by the Trojan faithful.
Seattle Seahawks Success
In 2010, Carroll took over the Seattle Seahawks, ushering in a new era for the franchise. Over the next 13 seasons, he led the Seahawks to 10 playoff appearances, five NFC West titles, and their first-ever Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl XLVIII, a dominant 43–8 win over the Denver Broncos.
Under Carroll, the Seahawks became known for their “Legion of Boom” defense, dynamic offensive play, and relentless competitiveness. His ability to connect with players of all ages kept Seattle in contention year after year.
Carroll stepped down as head coach in 2023 but remained as an advisor in 2024 before accepting the Raiders job in 2025.
Pete Carroll Height, Age, and Personal Stats
For fans curious about Carroll’s personal details:
- Height: Approximately 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
- Age: 73 years old in 2025
- Birthday: September 15, 1951
Remarkably, Carroll’s boundless energy defies his age — he is often seen sprinting along the sidelines, engaging with players, and radiating enthusiasm that rivals coaches half his age.
Pete Carroll Contract and Net Worth
Carroll’s career success has been rewarded with lucrative contracts. In 2020, while with the Seahawks, he signed a four-year extension reportedly worth around $11 million annually, making him one of the NFL’s highest-paid coaches at the time.
As of 2025, his net worth is estimated between $30 million and $40 million, thanks to decades of NFL and NCAA coaching, endorsement deals, speaking engagements, and other ventures.
Glena Goranson: Pete Carroll’s Wife and Partner
Behind every great coach is a strong support system, and for Pete Carroll, that’s his wife, Glena Goranson. The couple married on May 21, 1976, and have been together for nearly five decades.
Glena, born in 1955, attended the University of the Pacific, where she played volleyball. She is known for keeping a low public profile, preferring to focus on family rather than the media spotlight.
The Carrolls have three children — Brennan, Nate, and Jaime — and are also proud grandparents. Glena’s unwavering support has been a constant through the highs and lows of Carroll’s career, and she is often credited with helping him maintain balance amidst the chaos of professional football.
Pete Carroll’s Coaching Philosophy
Carroll’s success is not solely due to X’s and O’s; it’s also about culture. His “Win Forever” philosophy emphasizes competition, positivity, and personal growth. He believes in treating each player as an individual, fostering trust, and maintaining a team-first mindset.
This approach has yielded championship teams and a loyal following among players. In Las Vegas, Carroll aims to instill that same culture, blending the Raiders’ storied tradition with his proven blueprint for success.
Pete Carroll Raiders Era: What’s Next?
As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, all eyes will be on Carroll and the Raiders. Expectations are high, but so is the excitement. With Geno Smith at quarterback, a revamped roster, and Carroll’s veteran leadership, the Raiders are poised to make a statement in the AFC.
Whether he can replicate his USC dominance or Seahawks-level consistency in Las Vegas remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — Pete Carroll’s presence will make the Raiders one of the league’s most fascinating teams to watch.
Legacy and Final Thoughts
Pete Carroll’s career is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of positive leadership. From his early coaching days to his championship runs at USC and in Seattle, and now his challenge in Las Vegas, Carroll has shown that winning is as much about building people as it is about scoring points.
His story is still being written, but even now, Pete Carroll stands as one of football’s most influential figures — a leader whose impact extends far beyond the field.
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