Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Pete Carroll

Public opinion and media debates around Pete Carroll—discover key moments of controversy.

Pete Carroll is an American football coach, notable for his successful tenures in both college and professional football. He served as head coach for the USC Trojans, leading them to a national championship, and later coached the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory. He is one of only three coaches to win both a college national championship and a Super Bowl. He has also coached the New York Jets and New England Patriots. Most recently, he was named as head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders.

Sections (5)

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

2003: Controversy arose when USC was excluded from the National Championship Game

In 2003, Pete Carroll's USC was excluded from the National Championship Game despite being ranked #1 in both the AP Poll and the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll.

2004: Grantland Rice Trophy Taken Back

In 2010, the Football Writers Association of America took back USC's 2004 Grantland Rice Trophy, leaving the year vacant, due to sanctions.

2004: Forfeiture of Victories

In 2010, the NCAA announced sanctions against the USC football program including forfeiture of some football victories from 2004, a season which had included winning the Bowl Championship Series title.

2005: BCS National Championship

In 2005, Pete Carroll won a BCS national championship at the Orange Bowl with USC, although the title was later vacated.

2005: Forfeiture of Wins

In 2010, the NCAA announced sanctions against the USC football program including forfeiture of all team victories from the undefeated 2005–06 regular season, when USC lost to Texas in the BCS title game.

June 9, 2010: Carroll Appears Before NCAA Committee

On June 9, 2010, it was reported that Pete Carroll, along with other active and former USC officials, had appeared in front of a ten-member NCAA Committee on Infractions the previous February regarding violations.

June 10, 2010: Carroll Reacts to USC Sanctions

On June 10, 2010, Pete Carroll stated he was "absolutely shocked and disappointed in the findings of the NCAA" regarding the USC sanctions in a video produced by his new employers.

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 leave that year's award vacant due to NCAA sanctions.

2014: Carroll Comments on NCAA Investigation

In 2014, Pete Carroll commented during a visit to USC that "the NCAA's investigation into USC was dealt with poorly and very irrationally and done with way too much emotion instead of facts."

February 1, 2015: Seahawks Lose Super Bowl XLIX

On February 1, 2015, Pete Carroll's Seattle Seahawks lost Super Bowl XLIX to his former team, the New England Patriots, 28–24, after a controversial play call in the final seconds.

September 21, 2020: Carroll Fined 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 for coaches during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2023: Carroll Defends Super Bowl XLIX Play-Call

In 2023, Pete Carroll defended his decision to call a pass play in the final seconds of Super Bowl XLIX, despite previously taking accountability for the team's failure to win the game.