When news broke about Pete Carroll's appointment as Las Vegas Raiders head coach, Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn's immediate response captured the essence of their professional bond. Six simple words revealed the deep connection between two NFL coaches.
On Friday, reporters approached Quinn with breaking news of Carroll's move to the Raiders. The moment coincided with Quinn's impressive season leading the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game.
"That's awesome. That makes me happy," said Quinn.
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
Dan Quinn and Pete Carroll share a remarkable history in professional football. Quinn served as defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks from 2013 to 2014, engineering the infamous "Legion of Boom" defense, under Carroll, who was the head coach at the time. Their partnership produced two consecutive Super Bowl appearances, winning one and narrowly losing another.
Quinn's defensive unit in Seattle featured legendary players like Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, Earl Thomas III and Brandon Browner.
Pete Carroll's coaching legacy takes center stage
Pete Carroll's hiring represents a significant moment in NFL coaching history. At 73 years old, he becomes the league's oldest head coach, surpassing Kansas City Chiefs' Andy Reid. The Raiders agreed to a three-year deal with a one-year team option.
The move comes after Carroll's successful 14-year stint with the Seattle Seahawks, which included the franchise's only Super Bowl title. He joins a Raiders team that went 4-13 last season, seeking to rebuild in a competitive AFC West division.
Tom Brady, now part-owner of the Raiders, played a significant role in Carroll's hiring.
The upcoming NFL season promises a fascinating matchup. When the Washington Commanders host the Las Vegas Raiders, football fans will witness a reunion between two coaches with a shared history of success.
Carroll's coaching tree continues to flourish. Beyond Quinn, he developed Dave Canales, now head coach of the Carolina Panthers.
Raiders Nation! Check out the latest Las Vegas Raiders Schedule and dive into the Raiders Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.