The Las Vegas Raiders highlighted January roster birthdays via social media Thursday as the 2-14 franchise approaches its Week 18 finale amid intense speculation regarding head coach Pete Carroll’s future.
The celebration comes as the team prepares to host the Kansas City Chiefs on Jan. 4 to cap a tumultuous season under the 74-year-old Carroll. The campaign has been marked by a 10-game losing streak and the league’s 32nd-ranked offense, which averaged 14.2 points per game. Following a Week 17 loss to the New York Giants, Carroll offered “no comment” when asked if he expects to return in 2026.
Las Vegas blows out candles on sinking Raiders ship
The team’s Instagram account utilized the 2025-26 ‘Silver and Black’ template to honor active players entering the new year and to extend birthday wishes to 9 players, all in January.
The graphic featured kicker Daniel Carlson, the franchise’s all-time leader with 832 points; safety Terrell Edmunds, signed Dec. 24; and rookie guard Jackson Powers-Johnson. Others celebrated included cornerback Darien Porter, linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, Cody Lindenberg, DJ Turner, Phillip Dorsett, and Alex Cappa.
Raiders gift Pete Carroll a pink slip for birthday
Internal friction has reportedly surfaced within the front office. Michael Silver of The Athletic reported that minority owner Tom Brady is “running that team right now.” Tension escalated after Carroll fired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, reportedly a Brady favorite, in November.
“I think [it] was all about Tom (Brady) leading an organization and finding somebody that he had respect for… they’re trying to get somebody that needs to turn around the culture. That’s how they feel,” Adam Schefter said.
Ric Tapia – The Sporting Tribune
Pete Carroll of the Las Vegas Raiders talks with a referee during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on September 15, 2025 in Las Vegas.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler confirmed Tuesday that the organization has done “preliminary research” regarding potential coaching moves.
“Those are two places I see as they’ve done their preliminary research for a potential move,” Fowler said. “(That) doesn’t mean they’re locked into doing it… But those are certainly on my radar.”
Financial implications for a reset are significant. Carroll signed a three-year deal worth an estimated $15 million annually in January 2025; firing him would result in approximately $30 million in dead money.
Additionally, the team is tied to quarterback Geno Smith’s $75 million extension. Smith, who holds a -7 turnover ratio, is considered a likely post-June 1 cut candidate. Despite these burdens, OverTheCap indicates the Raiders possess the league third highest $100.8 million in 2026 cap space.
Carroll wants to stay?
The Raiders currently contend for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon has linked the team to Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as a potential replacement.
FOX Sports’ Ralph Vachianno suggested the late-season collapse may have been strategic.
“Carroll surely doesn’t want to stay around for a rebuilding project, and the Raiders don’t want that either,” Vachianno said, per SI. “That’s ironic, though, because Carroll’s willingness to help them tank for the top pick has jump-started the project for somebody else.”
The roster has been depleted by season-ending injuries to tight end Brock Bowers, tackle Kolton Miller, and defensive end Maxx Crosby, who was benched in Week 17 for health and draft strategy reasons.
Heading into the finale against the three Super Bowl-winning coach Andy Reid’s Chiefs, Smith (ankle) and defensive tackle Adam Butler (bicep) remain doubtful.