Pete Carroll Returns to Seattle: A Nostalgic First Game with the Raiders
Pete Carroll is gearing up for a significant moment in his extensive coaching career. The Raiders’ first preseason game under his leadership will take place in Seattle, a city that holds a multitude of memories for Carroll. After spending 14 years there and clinching a Super Bowl, Lumen Field is not just a stadium to him—it’s a symbol of his success and legacy.
Carroll took to the podium to downplay the return to the Pacific Northwest, but the excitement around his return is palpable. “It’s the only game we got,” he remarked after practice, attempting to deflect the emotional weight of the occasion. Yet, it’s impossible to overlook the nostalgia he must feel as he steps back onto familiar ground.
Memories of Championship Glory
In his time with the Seahawks, Carroll transformed the franchise into a powerhouse. From 2010 to 2023, he led the team to 137 victories, establishing a .606 winning percentage—the best in Seahawks history. His coaching acumen facilitated 10 playoff appearances and five division titles, tying him with Mike Holmgren for the most in team history. Reflecting on those years, Carroll stated, “I feel really good about the time we spent there. That we were able to stay with what we believed in and make it work.”
The essence of Carroll’s success was the culture he built, grounded in competition and mutual respect. He often emphasized that his approach to leadership was an experiment: an effort to translate the winning culture he created at USC to the NFL landscape.
A Reunion with Geno Smith
Another layer of intrigue is added to this matchup with the return of quarterback Geno Smith, who played five seasons with the Seahawks. It was in Seattle that Smith rekindled his career, transitioning from a backup quarterback to a notable starter after taking over for Russell Wilson. In his last three seasons, Smith secured wins and boasted one of the highest passing completion percentages in the league.
The offseason brought a contract impasse, allowing Smith to join the Raiders in Las Vegas, reuniting him with Carroll. “I’m really looking forward to it,” Smith expressed about the return. “Looking forward to seeing my old teammates, old coaches. It’ll be fun.”
Carroll’s Philosophy: A Lasting Legacy
When Carroll arrived in Seattle—a leap of faith after his college coaching success—he was offered complete control over football operations. This unique opportunity enabled him to implement his winning philosophy without restrictions. “It was an experiment,” he said, assessing the somewhat unprecedented move from college to the professional ranks.
Carroll’s philosophy combined establishing a competitive spirit with treating players as individuals worthy of respect. That approach not only redefined the Seahawks but also allowed Carroll to maintain success even as the game evolved.
A Homecoming for Smith
The importance of this game extends beyond Carroll. Smith regards Seattle as a significant chapter in his life. “I had a son there,” he mentioned. The city isn’t just a backdrop for his career resurgence; it’s a place where memories were created—both personal and professional.
While it remains uncertain whether Smith will take the field Thursday, Carroll hinted at the potential for starters to play, leaving fans in eager anticipation. Regardless of the outcome, the return to Seattle promises to be a heartwarming reunion.
Game Day Details
As fans gear up for the showdown, here’s what to expect:
- Who: Raiders vs. Seahawks
- When: 7 p.m., Thursday
- Where: Lumen Field, Seattle
- TV: Fox
- Radio: KRLV-AM (920), KOMP-FM (92.3)
- Line: Raiders -4½; total 37
With emotions running high and the stakes at play, both Carroll and Smith have a lot to prove in this preseason opener. The journey back to Seattle may evoke nostalgia, but the focus will be on what unfolds on the field as they embrace the challenge ahead.