Michael Mayer, the Las Vegas Raiders’ tight end, has expressed strong enthusiasm about the team’s new coach, Pete Carroll, highlighting a positive shift in the Raiders’ culture since Carroll’s arrival. Mayer shared these thoughts during his media session following a Sunday practice, emphasizing the fresh energy the veteran coach has brought to the franchise.

At 73 years old, Carroll is the oldest head coach in the NFL, yet he maintains a dynamic presence that invigorates the younger players on the team. This third-year player from Notre Dame has experienced three different head coaches in his short time with the Raiders, but sees Carroll’s approach as uniquely inspiring.

Mayer Details the Impact of Carroll’s Coaching and Team Atmosphere

The Raiders have undergone considerable coaching turnover recently, firing Josh McDaniels and then Antonio Pierce following a disappointing 4-13 season in 2023. Carroll was brought in to stabilize and reshape the organization’s culture after five coaching changes since Jon Gruden’s departure in 2021.

Mayer described the cultural transformation positively, sharing,

“The culture has been great. The positivity, the uplifting, the teaching that has come from the place of love.”

He emphasized the strong relationships forming within the team, particularly starting with Carroll and General Manager John Spytek, describing his excitement about the environment that’s being built.

The foundation of this new culture began with a lengthy conversation Mayer had with Carroll during the offseason, seeking insight on the coach’s goals and leadership philosophy. Mayer recalled,

“That was like an hour-, hour-and-a-half-long conversation,”

adding,

“I think I just needed to get a little bit of Pete’s perspective on what he was trying to do when he came in here and what type of person he was and what kind of coach he is, and man he’s awesome.”

Further illustrating his admiration, Mayer said,

“I just want to listen to him talk and give motivational speeches all [darn] day long.”

Players are responding well to Carroll’s leadership, which is crucial given the Raiders’ recent struggles, including six seasons with double-digit losses in the past nine years and no playoff victories since 2002. Mayer believes that team unity is essential for the Raiders’ future success, stating,

“There’s a lot of just great camaraderie, team community, and I think that’s kind of the first step in terms of winning games,”

and adding,

“It really is. You’ve got to be together. You’ve got to be on the same page all the time. You have to talk. You have to communicate, and it’s not really ‘my way or the highway.’ That’s not what we’re doing here. We want to win games and we want to do it the best way possible.”

Strong Tight End Duo Sets High Hopes for Upcoming Season

The Raiders’ tight end group has become a notable strength, featuring Michael Mayer alongside Brock Bowers, who was the runner-up for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Mayer, a 2023 second-round draft pick, is excited about the team’s strategic plans for 2025 alongside Bowers, who went 13th overall in 2024.

Discussing the offensive scheme, Mayer revealed there will be more plays involving two tight ends, which he and Bowers are eager to execute. He said,

“There are more 12 [package, with two tight ends] plays coming in, and me and Brock are very excited about that,”

emphasizing the talent in the Raiders’ tight end room.

Mayer detailed their versatility, noting,

“We can block; we can run; we can catch; we can make people miss. We’re excited in the tight-ends room.”

Looking Ahead: Carroll’s Influence and Raiders’ Ambitions

Pete Carroll’s addition appears to be sparking an important cultural reset within the Raiders organization, bringing newfound hope and unity after years of instability. The positive vibes Mayer highlights signal that players are embracing this new era with determination and optimism. How this translated energy will impact the team’s performance remains to be seen, but the foundations for improved communication, camaraderie, and winning mentality are clearly being laid down.

With Carroll’s proven track record and dynamic leadership style, combined with strong player support from key figures like Mayer and Bowers, the Raiders are positioning themselves for a more competitive future. The next steps will involve transforming this restored culture into on-field success and hopefully ending their lengthy playoff drought.