“In the NFL, though, Carroll has had the upper hand over Harbaugh (6-5), especially in their most recent battles,” Moton wrote. “Though the Chargers are coming off a year in which they clinched a playoff berth with an 11-6 record, Harbaugh probably isn't thrilled to see Carroll back in his conference and division.”

Carroll, 73, is set to return to the NFL sideline as a head coach for the first time since the conclusion of the 2023 regular season.

The Raiders were among the front-runners to land Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, but had to pivot when Johnson took over in Chicago. Here's a look at how the NFL world reacted to that pivot, and the hiring of Carroll: