Raiders predicted to hire former AFC East head coach to replace Pete Carroll

The Las Vegas Raiders are back in the head coaching market for the second straight season after firing Pete Carroll due to a 3-14 season in 2025.

Las Vegas hasn't had a winning season since 2021 and hasn't won more than four games in two years. Change is needed within the franchise, and FanSided's Mike Phillips predicts the Raiders will hire a highly-respected defensive mind to get the team back on track.

Phillips believes 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is a logical fit in Las Vegas to be the head coach.

Here is what Phillips had to say:

"The Raiders need a jolt of energy after a sleepy year under Pete Carroll and Saleh can provide that in spades, which could be a good olive branch for the organization towards Maxx Crosby, who was clearly upset at being shut down to help the Raiders land the top pick in the draft."

"The offensive coordinator hire would be key here for Saleh, who could reach out to Mike McDaniel if he doens't land a job in this cycle, but he can quickly turn around the Raiders' defense to help make life easier for Mendoza as a rookie."

Despite getting blown out in the divisional round to the Seattle Seahawks and allowing 41 points, Saleh's defense in San Francisco was still effective in 2025, despite injuries to star players, such as edge rusher Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner.

Saleh has been a head coach before with the New York Jets, and though he posted a 20-36 record in three and a half seasons, New York has looked considerably worse since firing him in October 2024. It's safe to say that Saleh elevated New York and kept them way more competitive than they should've been.

The Raiders need a stabilizer at head coach, and Saleh could provide that. The 46-year-old would also be able to bring a capable offensive coordinator with him to Las Vegas due to the depth of the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree.

Overall, Saleh deserves a second crack as a head coach, and the Raiders would be a nice fit.