Russell Wilson’s future in the NFL shows us how different organizations give power to their coaching staff. As free agency goes, the quarterback finds himself with multiple potential teams for his services. Coming from a tenure of two disappointing seasons with the Denver Broncos, Russell Wilson, at 35, is entering the final stretch of his career. You may ask, will he stick with a team with a traditional approach, or will he choose a franchise that embraces modern football strategies?
Following that, Pittsburgh reporter Mark Kaboly notes the coaching differences between the Kansas City Chiefs’s Andy Reid and Pittsburgh Steelers’ Mike Tomlin. Discussing how it could influence Russell Wilson’s next move to the Las Vegas Raiders. Reports suggest his first preference is to re-sign with the Steelers. Kaboly tweeted “For example, the KC Chiefs list their doctor, 5 strength and conditioning guys, analytics guy, and football research analyst on their coaching staff of 30 coaches. The Steelers don’t list those guys among their 19 coaches,”
For example, the KC Chiefs list their doctor, 5 strength and conditioning guys, analytics guy and football research analyst on their coaching staff of 30 coaches.
The Steelers don’t list those guys among their 19 coaches
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) January 28, 2025
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Kaboly revealed how Pittsburgh might not be the ideal long-term fit for Russell Wilson, referencing how the Steelers and Chiefs structure their coaching staff. Pete Carroll, who coached Wilson for a decade in Seattle, said that all competitive options are on the table, “I promise you, if you’re a real competitor, you’re not letting options get away from you.” The Raiders still have Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell under contract, but neither appears to be a true franchise quarterback. Given Carroll’s history with Wilson and his open-minded approach to coaching structures, Las Vegas might provide a more player-friendly system than Pittsburgh.
Is Russell Wilson making the switch to the Raiders soon?
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NFL coaching strategies play a big role in shaping an NFL player’s career. So, will the Steelers adapt or will they fall further behind teams like the Chiefs and Raiders? Will Russell Wilson stay loyal to Pittsburgh despite its outdated coaching structure, or will he seek a team with more resources? While speculation about a potential Las Vegas reunion with Pete Carroll, his former Seahawks coach, continues. Recently on the What The Football podcast, he mentioned, “It’s so early and we’re just in the midst of trying to find the puzzle pieces, not even putting them together yet, so I can’t even say. Free agency hasn’t come yet.”
Wilson’s potential move to the Raiders makes even more sense looking at the polarity. The Chiefs have been to four of the last five Super Bowls, while the Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since 2016. Pittsburgh’s old-school approach might have left them struggling. Russell Wilson’s past success with Carroll speaks for itself, four division titles, two Super Bowl appearances, and a championship in 2013.
Next, in the quarterback market, we have Tomlin’s traditional approach and Reid’s progressive method. While some quarterbacks succeed in certain systems and struggle in others. If Wilson prioritizes innovation and his development, a move to the Raiders might be more appealing than staying in Pittsburgh. As Wilson evaluates his options, the differences in coaching philosophies between Tomlin, Reid, and Carroll will play a crucial role. While Pittsburgh offers stability, Kansas City and Las Vegas offer modernization and support structures for long-term success. Wilson’s decision will show us which coaching approach he thinks is supreme in today’s NFL.
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Will Russell Wilson's loyalty to Pittsburgh outweigh the allure of a modern, player-friendly system in Vegas?
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Will Russell Wilson's loyalty to Pittsburgh outweigh the allure of a modern, player-friendly system in Vegas?
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