In a remarkable shift from his usual position on the sidelines, Pete Carroll spent the 2024 season observing and reflecting from the comfort of his home. The legendary coach, who has dedicated over half a century to football, took a year off from coaching to recharge and reassess. During this time, he closely followed Ohio State’s journey to the national championship, marveling at the team's relentless pursuit of excellence. The Buckeyes' ability to consistently field top-tier talent under Coach Ryan Day's leadership left a lasting impression on Carroll. "They've managed to stay at the top by nurturing exceptional players and ensuring their strategies remain cutting-edge," Carroll remarked during an interview at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Carroll's admiration for Ohio State's success didn't just stop at appreciation; it also influenced his decision to return to the coaching world. Recently appointed as the new head coach of the Raiders, Carroll wasted no time in assembling a formidable staff. One of his first moves was recruiting Chip Kelly, Ohio State's offensive coordinator, to join the Raiders in the same capacity. Kelly's innovative offense at Ohio State, which produced two 1,000-yard rushers and two 1,000-yard receivers, caught Carroll's attention. "Watching them dominate throughout the season was nothing short of incredible," Carroll noted. General Manager John Spytek also praised Kelly's ability to develop quarterback Will Howard into a standout player within a single season. "Chip and Will found a way to elevate their game when it mattered most," Spytek added.

The Raiders' front office believes that Kelly's immediate impact at Ohio State is a testament to the program's strong foundation and forward-thinking approach. Carroll sees this as a positive sign for his own coaching philosophy. "The speed and effectiveness with which Chip integrated into the Ohio State system speak volumes about the vision and leadership that have kept the program thriving," Carroll explained. As Carroll embarks on this new chapter, he draws inspiration from Ohio State's success, aiming to replicate that winning culture in Las Vegas. The future looks bright for the Raiders as they prepare to take on the challenges ahead with renewed vigor and a proven strategy.