Former Seattle Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll Reveals Candid Feelings on Potential Coaching Return

   

Seattle Seahawks, Pete Carroll

After 14 years coaching the Seattle Seahawks, Pete Carroll stepped down from his post earlier this year. Just recently, though, he got candid about the idea of returning as a head coach when asked during an interview.

Despite being in excellent physical shape and being physically ready to coach again, the 72-year-old Carroll stated that he is not currently desiring a return to the NFL sidelines.

Seattle Seahawks, Pete Carroll
Jan 7, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll looks on against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

After stepping down as the Seahawks’ head coach in January 2024, Carroll said he competed pretty hard to remain with the team. However, the organization decided to move in a new direction, appointing Mike Macdonald as the new head coach.

While Carroll hasn’t been in much contact with the Seahawks’ new coaching staff, he did say he will be taking on a teaching role at the University of Southern California, where he previously won two national championships as the head coach. Carroll didn’t provide any further details about his new role at USC, but he described it as a really exciting endeavor.

Pete Carroll Shares Thoughts About Potentially Returning To Coach Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks, Pete Carroll
Dec 24, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll walks the sideline during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Although he stepped down earlier this year, Carroll made it quite clear to the public that he has no plans of returning to his old post soon, as seen in a tweet shared by Ian Rapoport on his official X account.

Despite not actively seeking a coaching job at the moment, Carroll didn’t completely rule out a return to the NFL in the future. However, the former head coach said he’s not holding his breath about it. Carroll has over four decades of coaching experience, including stints as the head coach of the New York Jets, New England Patriots, and the Seahawks.

Seattle Seahawks, Pete Carroll
Oct 29, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

For now, the 72-year-old seems content to step away from the daily grind of coaching and focus on other opportunities, while still keeping an eye on his former team and the players he cares about.

Seattle Seahawks, Pete Carroll
Dec 24, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll walks on the field before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports