Pete Carroll predicts Geno Smith will rebound, surprise with Jets - ESPN

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Former NFL coach Pete Carroll, who developed a close relationship with Geno Smith during their six seasons together, was a bit amused when he first heard his former quarterback had been traded to the New York Jets.

«I had to chuckle a little bit because of the history and all,» Carroll told ESPN on Wednesday in his first interview since being fired by the Las Vegas Raiders after the season.

Carroll spoke glowingly of Smith, predicting he will rebound from last season and will surprise people in his second stint with the Jets, who acquired him Tuesday via a late-round pick swap. Carroll took the blame for Smith's struggles in Las Vegas, saying, «We should've coached him better.»

The former Super Bowl champion coach has kept a low profile since his ill-fated season with the Raiders, who went 3-14, but he broke his silence because of his affinity for Smith, he said.

«I love talking about G,» Carroll said. «I think I see him differently than a lot of people see him. I love him and appreciate him differently.»

Carroll, who coached Smith with the Seattle Seahawks from 2019 to 2023, traded for Smith in 2025, hoping to re-create what they had in Seattle. It went sideways, as Smith led the league in interceptions (17) and sacks (55). It was a tumultuous season, as Carroll fired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly after 11 games.

«He's a phenomenal quarterback, he really is,» Carroll said. «He had a fantastic offseason and preseason with us, and he comes out in the first game, has a great first game. It was all fitting. It was exactly the right time for us. Then we just faltered and faltered. We didn't do well enough, coaching.

»We should've had him better prepared for the things that happened, and that wouldn't