Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Pete Carroll

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 18, 2025

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

Peter Clay Carroll is an American football coach. He is the head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders of the NFL. Before that, he coached USC, the New York Jets, New England Patriots, and Seattle Seahawks. He won a college football national championship with USC and Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seahawks, making him one of only three coaches to win both.

Sections (5)

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

2003: USC Excluded from National Championship Game

In 2003, USC was excluded from the National Championship Game despite being ranked #1 in both the Associated Press (AP) Poll and the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll, generating controversy.

2004: Grantland Rice Trophy taken back

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.

2004: Forfeiture of victories

On June 10, 2010, the NCAA announced sanctions against the USC football program including forfeiture of some football victories from 2004 to 2005 (a season which had included winning the Bowl Championship Series title).

2005: BCS National Championship at the Orange Bowl

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

2005: Forfeiture of victories

On June 10, 2010, the NCAA announced sanctions against the USC football program including forfeiture of all team victories from the undefeated 2005–06 regular season.

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

On June 9, 2010, it was reported that Pete Carroll, along with other USC officials, had appeared before the NCAA Committee on Infractions in February.

June 10, 2010: Carroll reacts to USC sanctions

On June 10, 2010, Pete Carroll expressed shock and disappointment in the NCAA's findings regarding sanctions against 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 leave that year's award vacant. USC athletic director Pat Haden stated USC would return the trophy.

2012: Winning Season and Controversial Game

In 2012, Pete Carroll led the Seahawks to an 11–5 record with rookie quarterback Russell Wilson, marking Carroll's first winning season for the team. A controversial call during a game against the Green Bay Packers ignited national outrage. The Seahawks made the playoffs, winning their Wild Card game before losing in the Divisional Round to the Atlanta Falcons.

2014: Carroll reflects on NCAA investigation

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

February 1, 2015: Seahawks Lose Super Bowl XLIX

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

2015: Carroll discusses the bitterness surrounding USC's success

In 2015, Pete Carroll reflected that USC's uncommon success and fun may have rubbed people the wrong way, leading to bitterness.

September 21, 2020: NFL Fine 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: Carroll defends Super Bowl play call

In 2023, Pete Carroll defended his controversial play-call during Super Bowl XLIX, despite previously having taken accountability for the team's failure to win that game.