If Pete Carroll Is Gone, Mark Davis Could Make This Classic Al Davis Move

Although we are not advocating for Mark Davis and the Las Vegas Raiders to terminate Pete Carroll, should they choose to do so, here is the most shocking move he could make that would stun the NFL.

Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis | Darrell Craig Harris, On S

HENDERSON, Nev.—In the midst of a disastrous season, following over two decades of at best a mediocre performance, the Las Vegas Raiders may be heading for another offseason of significant changes.

While we aren't advocating for Pete Carroll to lose his job, the NFL scuttlebutt, often fueled by leaks from inside the building, clearly suggests that he is on the hot seat.

Las Vegas Raiders Coach Pete Carroll | Darrell Craig Harris, On SI

If billionaire Mark Davis decides to pay another person, yet again, millions of dollars not to work for him, what would Al do?

It is no secret that the Raiders' most significant success came under Mark's father, the legend. If Davis wants to shake up the NFL and his team, there is one move, and only one, that would instantaneously bring back the aura of his father and the swagger back to the Raider Nation.

This one move would be a dose of Viagra to the soul of the Raider Nation, restoring the swagger, the luster, and the pride and passion of his increasingly apathetic fan base.

Hire Jon Gruden

Oct 4, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders fan Julian Segura, age 6, of Los Angeles poses in Chucky costume as Raiders coach Jon Gruden during the game against the Los Angeles Chagers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

I said it. Hire Chucky.

It is no secret that when the coach was let go after a scandal involving leaked emails (of which he has apologized), Jon Gruden's second tenure as the head coach of the Silver and Black had turned a corner.

Jan 9, 2018; Alameda, CA, USA; Jon Gruden (left) poses with Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis after being introduced as head coach at a press conference at the Raiders headquarters Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Davis hasn't held back his thoughts on it. He has said of the exit of Gruden, "Back in 2018, with Jon Gruden, he was somebody I brought in and expected to really be that person on the football side that would bring stability to the organization. He had a 10-year contract and all that, and his head was chopped off. We were put in a really bad position as an organization."

The Al Davis Raiders haven't been that in a long time. The single greatest fan base in all of professional sports craves that identity. They embrace it. They are it. This move would be like his father, Al, and essentially be a big statement to the National Football League.

The idea of Gruden returning and getting to select his new quarterback to lead the franchise for the next 15 years would be epic. Al would be proud.

Oct 4, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden talks with quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

But like a night informercial, I'm not done.

But Wait, There's More

Gruden, if he decided he didn't want to retain Geno Smith, could make another move.

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen (41) and safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2) chase Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) as he throws a pass for a first down at the start of the fourth quarter. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Las Vegas Raiders at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, FL Sunday, November 6, 2022. The Jaguars trailed 20 to 10 at the end of the first half but came back to win the game with a final score of 27 to 20. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union] Jki 110622 Bs Jaguars Vs | Bob Self/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK

He could reach out to the retired Derek Carr and inquire about his health. Carr has never wavered about his love for the Silver and Black and his admiration for Gruden.

Gruden could ask the all-time Raiders (passing leader) QB if he would sign a one or two-year deal to come back and groom a rookie like Fernando Mendoza.

Indiana's Fernando Mendoza (15) gets loose before the Indiana versus Ohio State Big Ten Championship football game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Love or hate Carr (I love the guy), who better to teach and mentor a young QB than the franchise's all-time passing leader, and one of the nicest people to ever play in the NFL?

It wouldn't be a Brett Favre vs Aaron Rodgers icy relationship. Carr's calling is more than just the game. His calling in life is to lead. It is centered squarely on the most important thing in his life, his faith.

Mendoza shares that passion. It would be a perfect match.

For Gruden, Mendoza, Mark, the memory of Al, and Raider Nation.

Who wouldn't like it?

Oct 7, 2018; Carson, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis (left) and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell talk before a game between the Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Roger Goodell and the NFL.

A perfect Al Davis move.

Please Watch My Podcast Discussing A Gruden Return Below

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