By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 05:07 BST, 8 August 2025 | Updated: 05:07 BST, 8 August 2025
SEATTLE (AP) - Pete Carroll played a new role in familiar territory Thursday night, with his first preseason game as coach of the Las Vegas Raiders coming against the Seattle Seahawks.
The former Seattle coach clearly felt at home before the game, talking with many Seahawks players on the field during warmups and generally being his outgoing, energetic self.
Carroll spent 14 seasons in Seattle, going 137-89-1 and putting together double-digit victories eight times over a nine-year stretch.
He was at the helm for some of the most memorable moments in team history, including the 2013 Super Bowl championship with the dominant "Legion of Boom" defense, before the Seahawks parted ways with him after the 2023 season.
Las Vegas starting quarterback Geno Smith also made a return to Seattle. Smith revitalized his career with the Seahawks, signing in 2019 as the backup and then becoming the starter in 2022. He was selected AP Comeback Player of the Year when he led the league with a 69.8% completion percentage and threw for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Smith started, but only played one series. He completed one of three passes for 15 yards.
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll reacts after an interception by the Raiders during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock hugs Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll before an NFL preseason football game Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo, right, talks with Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll before an NFL preseason football game Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
From left, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and wide receiver Jake Bobo talk with Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll, right, before an NFL preseason football game Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks to throw the ball during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Maddy Grassy)