Pete Carroll has Geno Smith’s back. The new Raiders coach, 73, defended his quarterback Sunday when asked about Smith’s decision to flip off a Seahawks fan during Thursday’s preseason game, which served as the duo’s Seattle homecoming.

Pete Carroll’s first game as the Raiders’ coach came in the same venue where he spent 14 years as the Seattle Seahawks’ coach and for whom he won a Super Bowl.

Pete Carroll returned to Seattle Thursday, nearly 15 years after making his Seahawks debut. And while Carroll stood on the opposite sideline, some things hadn't changed.