Pete Carroll is planning a return to USC, where he previously achieved legendary status in college football. However, this time, Carroll will not be stepping onto the field as a coach.
Instead, he intends to share his extensive knowledge by teaching a course at the University of Southern California in the upcoming spring semester. During a recent interview with a Seattle radio station, Carroll expressed his enthusiasm for this new role, stating he is “looking forward” to this next chapter after concluding his 14-year tenure with the Seattle Seahawks in January.
“It’s gonna be a really exciting endeavor when it’s all finalized,” Carroll remarked, hinting at the potential impact he hopes to make in the academic setting.
After his dismissal from the New England Patriots in 1999, Carroll revitalized his coaching career at USC starting in 2001, leading the Trojans to unprecedented success during his nine-year tenure. Under his leadership, the team secured seven Pac-12 championships and two national titles, including a memorable victory in the BCS National Championship Game following the 2004 season. Notably, three of his players—quarterbacks Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart, along with running back Reggie Bush—earned the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
Currently, Carroll is not expected to engage with the present USC football team, which is under head coach Lincoln Riley as it transitions to the Big Ten conference. He mentioned that he is exploring consulting opportunities for teams “outside of football” but declined to provide specific details. Recently, he also took time to visit U.S. military personnel stationed in Kuwait.
“I’m doing just fine,” the 72-year-old Carroll stated, expressing excitement about various projects he is currently involved in.
Despite his past success with the Seahawks, Carroll noted he has had limited interaction with the new coaching staff. He mentioned only a brief encounter with new coach Macdonald in the parking lot of the team’s facility.
“I have not had much to do with them in any way,” he explained. “I’m just watching the games a little bit when I see them on TV. I’m not paying much attention to it; it just feels like the right thing to do to let them go.” He acknowledged the hard work and intelligence of the new coaching group, emphasizing his decision to maintain distance.
Additionally, Carroll is not formally affiliated with the Washington Huskies coaching staff, which includes his son, Brennan Carroll, serving as offensive coordinator. He clarified, “There’s no role there but being a friend to [head coach] Jedd [Fisch] and a dad to Brennan.”
Interestingly, Brennan Carroll is not the only notable name on Fisch’s staff; Steve Belichick, son of former Patriots coach Bill Belichick, serves as the defensive coordinator. Bill Belichick has been spotted at Washington’s practices, expressing his ambition to return to the NFL as a head coach next season. When asked by former Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin if he wishes to coach again, Carroll remained noncommittal.
“I could coach tomorrow,” he acknowledged. “I’m physically in the best shape I’ve been in a long time. I’m ready to do all the activities that I’m doing and feeling really good about it. … I’m not desiring it at this point. This isn’t the coaching season. We’ll see what happens. I’m not really waiting on it at all. I’m going ahead.”
Reflecting on his extensive coaching career, he concluded, “If it’s been 40-something years, 48 years or whatever coaching, and that’s it, I’ll feel OK about that.”
