Challenges Faced by Pete Carroll: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Pete Carroll. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Pete Carroll is an American football coach, most recently the head coach for the Seattle Seahawks (2010-2023). Previously, he held head coaching positions with the New York Jets and New England Patriots in the NFL, and the USC Trojans in college football. Carroll is one of only three coaches to have won both a college football national championship and a Super Bowl, achieving this feat during his tenures with USC and the Seattle Seahawks respectively.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1994: Elevated to Head Coach of the Jets

In 1994, Pete Carroll was elevated to head coach of the New York Jets, but was fired after one season.

1999: Fired by the New England Patriots

In 1999, Pete Carroll was fired by the New England Patriots after his team missed the playoffs.

2001: Slow Start at USC

In 2001, Pete Carroll's first USC team started the season with a 2-5 record, leading to criticism and concerns about the program's future.

2004: USC's Grantland Rice Trophy revoked

In 2004, USC's Grantland Rice Trophy was revoked.

2004: USC victories forfeited due to NCAA sanctions

In 2004, some USC football victories were forfeited due to NCAA sanctions.

2004: USC stripped of Grantland Rice Trophy

In 2004, the Trojans were asked to return the Grantland Rice Trophy after being stripped of the Football Writers Assn. of America national championship.

2005: USC victories forfeited due to NCAA sanctions

In 2005, some USC football victories were forfeited due to NCAA sanctions.

June 9, 2010: Carroll appeared before NCAA Committee on Infractions

On June 9, 2010, it was reported that Pete Carroll appeared before the NCAA Committee on Infractions the previous February.

June 10, 2010: Carroll expresses shock and disappointment over NCAA findings

On June 10, 2010, Pete Carroll stated that he was "absolutely shocked and disappointed" in the NCAA's findings regarding USC.

August 26, 2010: FWAA takes back USC's 2004 Grantland Rice Trophy

On August 26, 2010, the Football Writers Association of America announced it would take back USC's 2004 Grantland Rice Trophy, and USC will return the trophy.

2011: Acknowledged that he would not have been here a long time without his starting quarterback

During the season, the Seahawks' first such losing season since 2011, Carroll candidly admitted to the media that he "probably wouldn't have been here a long time" without his longtime starting quarterback

2014: Carroll comments on NCAA investigation into USC

In 2014, Pete Carroll stated that the NCAA's investigation into USC was dealt with poorly and irrationally, with too much emotion instead of facts.

February 1, 2015: Seahawks lose Super Bowl XLIX to the Patriots

On February 1, 2015, Pete Carroll's Seattle Seahawks lost Super Bowl XLIX to the New England Patriots 28-24. A controversial play call near the end of the game led to an interception.

2015: Carroll praised for handling Super Bowl XLIX adversity

In 2015, Pete Carroll received both criticism and praise for how he handled the adversity following the Super Bowl XLIX loss. The Seahawks clinched a playoff berth after a rocky start to the season.

2015: Carroll reflects on USC success and bitterness

In 2015, Pete Carroll reflected on USC's success, stating that it was uncommon for people to understand and that it rubbed people the wrong way, creating bitterness.

2017: Seahawks Miss Playoffs

In 2017, Pete Carroll's eighth season with the Seahawks, the team finished with a 9-7 record, missing the playoffs for only the second time during his tenure with the team.

September 21, 2020: Fined by NFL for Mask Violation

On September 21, 2020, Pete Carroll was fined US$100,000 by the NFL for not properly wearing a face mask during a Week 2 game, as required during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2023: Seahawks Miss Playoffs

In 2023, Pete Carroll led the Seahawks to a 9-8 record, but the team was eliminated from the playoffs on the last day of the season due to a tiebreaker.