Public opinion and media debates around Pete Carroll—discover key moments of controversy.
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.
2003: Controversy over National Championship Exclusion
In 2003, controversy arose when Pete Carroll's USC was excluded from the National Championship Game despite being ranked #1 in both the AP Poll and the Coaches Poll.
Share
2004: USC's Grantland Rice Trophy revoked
In 2004, USC's Grantland Rice Trophy was revoked.
Share
2004: USC victories forfeited due to NCAA sanctions
In 2004, some USC football victories were forfeited due to NCAA sanctions.
Share
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.
Share
2005: USC victories forfeited due to NCAA sanctions
In 2005, some USC football victories were forfeited due to NCAA sanctions.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share
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.
Share