In a stunning turn of events, Pete Carroll’s tenure as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders has come to an unexpected end, sending shockwaves through the NFL. With rumors swirling around his future after a season of disappointing results, the Raiders are once again at a crossroads.

But it’s not just Carroll’s departure that has Raider Nation buzzing — it’s the bold, Al Davis-inspired move that team owner Mark Davis might make next.

After another year of underperformance, with the Raiders failing to live up to expectations despite high hopes, Carroll’s seat grew hotter by the week. With the team unable to break through and reach the next level, questions began to mount about whether a change at the top was necessary.

While Carroll has long been admired for his leadership and philosophy, it became apparent that his methods were no longer delivering results in the ruthless world of the NFL.

But it’s the rumored plan behind Carroll’s exit that has truly captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. According to league insiders, Mark Davis, known for his unpredictable decisions and willingness to make bold moves, is reportedly eyeing a head coach who embodies the audacity and controversy of his father, the late Al Davis.

Al Davis, the Raiders’ legendary owner, was famous for making big, often controversial decisions that defied conventional wisdom. Now, it seems Mark Davis is ready to follow in those footsteps.

Whispers are growing louder that the Raiders could be pursuing a coach who will not only bring an aggressive and dynamic approach to the team but also provide the kind of shock value that Raider Nation craves.

The team, which has seen its fair share of turmoil in recent years, might need more than just a standard hire. They need someone who can reignite the passion and energy that once defined the franchise.

The move, if it comes to fruition, would be a bold statement, one that would instantly shift the narrative around the Raiders’ future. The franchise is at a pivotal moment, and Mark Davis understands that only a high-risk, high-reward gamble will get the Raiders back to prominence.

The idea of a head coach who could shake things up, break free from traditional coaching molds, and bring new life to the franchise has many fans excited — and equally nervous.

In a league where stability and consistency often reign, the Raiders are known for embracing the unconventional. The question now is: Will Mark Davis’s next move be another classic Al Davis gamble, or will it be a calculated choice aimed at securing long-term success?

As offseason rumors intensify, the future of the Raiders hangs in the balance. With Pete Carroll out and whispers of a game-changing hire on the horizon, one thing is certain: the Las Vegas Raiders are about to take a bold step into the unknown — and it could alter the course of the franchise forever.

Sunday marked the end of the Saints’ home schedule for 2025. For a number of veterans, Week 16 could therefore represent their final game played in New Orleans.

That may well be the case for Taysom Hill. The veteran tight end (among many other positions/roles over the years) is a pending free agent, and it remains to be seeen what will happen in his case. When speaking after the game, Hill reflected on his Saints tenure and acknowledged (via John Hendrix of NewOrleans.Football) he is unsure of what the future holds.

“As I was driving to the stadium today, you start to think about the last nine years and what it’s meant to me and my family,” the former UDFA said (via Hendrix). 

“This city and stuff. I think for me personally that you try to take it all in.”

Hill has played each of his 121 combined regular and postseason games as a member of the Saints. The 35-year-old could add another two to that total as the campaign comes to an end. Beyond that point, it will be interesting to see how team and player proceed in this case. An ACL tear limited Hill to just eight games in 2024, and he produced only 95 scrimmage yards this season entering Sunday’s game.

The Saints have Juwan Johnson under contract through 2027, and fellow veteran tight end Foster Moreau could be retained as depth at the position this coming offseason. New Orleans has other options at the TE spot as well, and it would come as a surprise if Hill were to be kept in the fold merely as an emergency quarterback or strictly to play on special teams. As such, the team’s rebuilding efforts could lead to a parting of ways shortly.

Hill set a career high with 33 catches and 291 yards in 2023; he added 401 yards on the ground that year while scoring six total touchdowns. In the event he reaches free agency, suitors could look to the BYU product as a depth addition on offense. For now, though, Hill’s attention will be aimed at the final two weeks of the season while the Saints aim to continue what is now a three-game winning streak. After that, it is unclear if retirement will receive consideration or if Hill will look to continue his career in New Orleans or elsewhere next season.