For the first time in nearly 25 years, Pete Carroll, the former head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, finds himself in uncharted territory as the college football and NFL seasons begin without him on the sidelines. The 72-year-old Carroll, who has spent his entire professional life as a football coach, is now facing a season where he’s not leading a team—a decision that is entirely his own.
Despite being in excellent physical shape and fully capable of returning to coaching, Carroll has chosen to take a break from the high-stakes world of football. “I could coach tomorrow,” Carroll said in a recent interview. “But I don’t really desire it at this point.”
TODAY with @FredRoggin and @RodneyPeete9:
–#Dodgers come back to beat the Mariners. Buehler struggles in start.
–@ByJackHarris will join at 1pm talking #Dodgers!
-Pete Carroll is back at USC.Listen in: https://t.co/psbw6YlNQv pic.twitter.com/l0dilvZk5O
— AM 570 LA Sports (@AM570LASports) August 21, 2024
Carroll’s storied coaching career, which spanned both college and professional levels, came to a close in January when he and the Seahawks mutually parted ways after 14 successful years. Although he wasn’t in the running for any head coaching jobs this offseason, Carroll has no intention of spending his time idly. Instead, he’s heading back to the University of Southern California (USC), where he previously served as head coach from 2001 to 2009, to take on a teaching role.
While Carroll hasn’t revealed specific details about his new position at USC, he expressed excitement about the opportunity to share his knowledge and experience. “There’s more stuff to teach, more stuff to share,” he said. Carroll’s new venture will involve working with people on exciting projects that allow him to continue contributing to the football community in a different capacity.
Although Carroll hasn’t completely closed the door on returning to coaching, it’s clear that he’s not actively seeking another head coaching position. Instead, he’s focused on exploring new opportunities and embracing whatever comes next in his life. “I’m not waiting on it at all,” Carroll said. “I’ve got other things that I want to do that I’m excited about, and I’m going to see how all that goes.”
For a coach who was the NFL’s oldest head coach in 2023, the decision to step away from the game might come as a surprise to some. Carroll, who has always carved his own path in the football world, is now leaving the headset behind and moving on to new challenges. He’s met the Seahawks’ new head coach, Mike Macdonald, only once, and he’s content to let his former team continue without his involvement.
Pete Carroll will forever be a Seahawks legend.
I think Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll BOTH needed each other. It only worked in the NFL… TOGETHER.
Carroll’s with/without Russ numbers are crazy 🤯 pic.twitter.com/DZUWdvYdp1
— Seattle ON Tap (@SeattleONTap) August 21, 2024
In a sport where many coaches aim to stay on the sidelines until their last breath, Pete Carroll’s decision to step away reflects his desire to find fulfillment beyond the football field. As he embarks on this new chapter, he remains optimistic about the future, ready to embrace the unknown and continue making an impact in different ways.
Key Points:
i. Pete Carroll steps away from coaching after nearly 25 years, choosing not to pursue another head coaching role.
ii. Despite being physically ready to coach, Carroll is excited about new opportunities outside of football.
iii. Carroll will return to USC, where he once coached, to take on a teaching role and share his knowledge.
iv. He hasn’t ruled out a return to coaching but is focused on exploring new ventures for now.
v. Carroll’s decision marks a significant shift for the NFL’s oldest head coach in 2023, as he moves on from his football career.
Lap Fu Ip – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
