Pete Carroll takes responsibility for Geno Smith's struggles with Raiders

Published: Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 1:53 am

Carroll Takes Responsibility for Smith's Struggles, Eyes Jets' Future

Former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll has publicly taken responsibility for quarterback Geno Smith's disappointing performance during their shared season. Smith, who is now back with the New York Jets, struggled in Las Vegas under Carroll's leadership, a stark contrast to his successful tenure in Seattle.

Carroll, who previously coached Smith in Seattle, where the quarterback revived his career and earned Pro Bowl selections, believes that coaching played a significant role in Smith's struggles. He stated that he didn't prepare Smith adequately for the transition from Seattle to Las Vegas. Smith's performance in 2025 saw him throw for over 3,000 yards and 19 touchdowns, but also lead the league with 17 interceptions. The team's offensive line also struggled, with Smith being sacked a league-leading 55 times.

Carroll acknowledged the irony of Smith's return to the Jets, the team that drafted him in 2013. Despite the challenges, Carroll expressed his belief in Smith's abilities, calling him a "phenomenal quarterback." He emphasized that Smith's success in New York hinges on his understanding of the opportunity and his commitment to the team. Carroll expressed his support for Smith's decision to return to the Jets, stating his desire for Smith's success.

BNN's Perspective:

While it's commendable that Carroll takes responsibility for Smith's struggles, the reality is that the NFL is a complex ecosystem. Coaching is crucial, but so is the supporting cast and overall team environment. Smith's success in New York will depend on a combination of factors, including his own performance, the team's offensive line, and the coaching staff's ability to create a winning strategy. It's a fresh start for Smith, and hopefully, he can prove his doubters wrong.

Keywords: Geno Smith, Pete Carroll, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, NFL, quarterback, coaching, interceptions, offensive line, Seattle Seahawks, Pro Bowl, football, sports, career, responsibility, transition, performance, success, team, season

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