"Pete" Carroll is a prominent figure in American football, recognized for his roles as an executive, coach, and advisor. He is most celebrated for his tenure as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks from 2010 to 2023, during which he guided the team to a Super Bowl victory. Prior to joining the Seahawks, Carroll achieved notable success at the University of Southern California (USC), where he clinched a national championship as head football coach. Carroll's accomplishments place him among an elite group of coaches who have attained both collegiate and professional championships, solidifying his legacy within the sport.
Peter Clay Carroll was born on September 15, 1951. This marks the beginning of his journey into the world of American football.
Pete Carroll's athletic talents shone brightly in high school, culminating in him being named Athlete of the Year in 1969 for his achievements in football, basketball, and baseball.
Pete Carroll's talent on the football field was evident during his time at the University of the Pacific, where he earned All-Pacific Coast Athletic Association honors in 1971 for his performance as a free safety.
Pete Carroll graduated from the University of the Pacific in 1973, earning his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. This marked the formal conclusion of his undergraduate studies.
In 1974, as a graduate student at the University of the Pacific, Pete Carroll discovered W. Timothy Gallwey's "The Inner Game of Tennis." This book significantly influenced Carroll's coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of mental clarity and focus in achieving peak performance.
In 1976, Pete Carroll completed his Master's degree in physical education at the University of the Pacific, simultaneously beginning his coaching career as a graduate assistant.
Pete Carroll's coaching journey led him to the University of Arkansas in 1977, where he served as a graduate assistant, working with the secondary under coach Bob Cope.
While Pete Carroll was at the University of Arkansas in 1978, the Razorbacks clinched victory in the Orange Bowl, marking a successful season for the team.
In 1980, Pete Carroll, as part of the Ohio State coaching staff, experienced the excitement of the Rose Bowl. However, the team faced defeat against USC.
Pete Carroll's expertise on defense led to his appointment as the defensive coordinator and secondary coach at North Carolina State University in 1980, a testament to his growing reputation.
In 1983, Pete Carroll returned to familiar ground at the University of the Pacific, taking on the role of assistant head coach and offensive coordinator.
Before being appointed USC's head coach, Pete Carroll's last experience coaching in college was in 1983. This detail was used by some to draw unfavorable comparisons between him and the outgoing coach, Paul Hackett.
Pete Carroll's NFL coaching career began in 1984 when he joined the Buffalo Bills as their defensive backs coach.
Continuing his work in the NFL, Pete Carroll transitioned to the Minnesota Vikings in 1985, serving as their defensive backs coach for several seasons.
Pete Carroll's coaching aspirations led him to pursue the head coaching position at Stanford University in 1989. Despite his credentials, the position was ultimately filled by Dennis Green.
Pete Carroll's defensive acumen led to his appointment as the defensive coordinator for the New York Jets in 1990, reuniting him with Bruce Coslet, a coach with whom he had personal connections.
Pete Carroll's prior success with the Minnesota Vikings put him in contention for their head coach position in 1992. However, the opportunity was once again awarded to Dennis Green.
Pete Carroll's tenure as the defensive coordinator for the New York Jets came to a close in 1993.
Pete Carroll's first foray into being an NFL head coach began with the New York Jets in 1994. Despite a promising start, the season ended with a losing record.
Pete Carroll joined the San Francisco 49ers in 1995, bringing his defensive expertise to the team as their defensive coordinator.
Pete Carroll's contributions to the University of the Pacific's athletic legacy were formally acknowledged in 1995 with his induction into the Pacific Athletic Hall of Fame.
In July 2007, ESPN.com acknowledged USC's dominance by naming them the #1 team of the decade for the period between 1996 and 2006. This recognition highlighted the program's remarkable turnaround and sustained success.
Pete Carroll was hired as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 1997, succeeding the legendary Bill Parcells, a challenging act to follow.
In 1997, Pete Carroll, as the head coach of the New England Patriots, guided the team to secure the AFC East division title, showcasing his leadership.
In 1997, USC, under the leadership of then Athletic Director Mike Garrett, made an attempt to recruit Pete Carroll as their head coach. However, Carroll was unable to accept the position at that time.
The New England Patriots, under Pete Carroll's leadership, experienced a setback in 1998 with a loss in the wild card playoff round.
Pete Carroll's time with the New England Patriots came to an end in 1999, concluding a period of mixed results with the team.
The 1999 season marked a low point for Pete Carroll and the New England Patriots as the team failed to qualify for the playoffs.
On December 15, 2000, Pete Carroll was named the head coach of the USC Trojans, signing a five-year contract. This came after an 18-day search to replace the fired Paul Hackett. Although not the initial top choice, Carroll's hiring was seen as a long shot, with USC initially aiming for a high-profile coach.
Pete Carroll took a step back from coaching in 2000, using the time to work as a consultant, engage in charitable endeavors for the NFL, and contribute to CNNSI.com as a pro football columnist.
Before their impressive 35-game home winning streak, USC's last loss at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was on September 29, 2001, against the Stanford Cardinal. The Cardinal defeated the Trojans with a score of 21-16.
On October 13, 2001, USC, under Pete Carroll, started a remarkable 35-game winning streak at their home stadium, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, by defeating the Arizona State Sun Devils with a score of 48-17.
Pete Carroll began his influential tenure as the head football coach at the University of Southern California (USC) in 2001, marking a turning point in his career.
Pete Carroll's tenure at USC began with a challenging 2-5 start in the 2001 season. This led to criticism and doubts about the program's future. However, Carroll turned the tide, leading the Trojans to an impressive 67-7 record over the next 74 games. This period included two national championships and another championship game appearance.
Beginning in 2002, NFL teams began expressing interest in Pete Carroll for their vacant head coach positions. However, Carroll hesitated to return to the NFL at that time, citing his previous experiences and the importance of control over personnel decisions.
Following the 2002 season, Pete Carroll received a significant raise from USC, a testament to his early impact on the program. This raise reflected the university's commitment to keeping Carroll at the helm.
In April 2003, deeply affected by gang violence in Los Angeles, Pete Carroll spearheaded the formation of "A Better LA." This charity, launched after a meeting Carroll organized at USC's Heritage Hall, aims to curb violence in the city's underserved neighborhoods.
From 2003 to 2005, USC achieved a school-record 34-game winning streak under the leadership of Pete Carroll. This streak, which began after a triple-overtime loss to California, solidified the Trojans' dominance in college football during that period.
In 2003, USC faced controversy when they were excluded from the National Championship Game despite being ranked #1 in both the Associated Press (AP) Poll and the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll. This decision sparked debate and disappointment among the Trojans and their supporters.
Following an investigation into NCAA violations, the NCAA announced sanctions against the USC football program on June 10, 2010. These sanctions included a two-year bowl ban, the loss of thirty football scholarships, and the forfeiture of some victories from 2004 to 2005, including their Bowl Championship Series title from the 2004 season.
Following the stripping of their 2004 Football Writers Assn. of America national championship, USC was asked to return the Grantland Rice Trophy. Sportswriter Jerry Crowe found the situation fitting, drawing a parallel between the event and a quote by Grantland Rice, a legendary sportswriter of the early 20th century, emphasizing the importance of how the game is played over winning or losing.
Pete Carroll achieved a significant milestone in 2004 when he led USC to a BCS National Championship victory. However, the title was later vacated due to NCAA violations, adding a layer of controversy to his legacy.
Pete Carroll's salary at USC reached close to $3 million during the 2004 season, a clear indication of his value and the program's financial success. This compensation package solidified his position as one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.
The Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) announced that it would vacate USC's 2004 Grantland Rice Trophy. This decision marked the only vacancy in the award's history.
Following USC's BCS title win in January 2005, Pete Carroll received a significant raise, reflecting his success with the program. His compensation for the 2004 season approached $3 million, highlighting his value to the university.
In December 2005, Pete Carroll agreed to a contract extension with USC, solidifying his commitment to the program. This decision came after a successful period that included a national championship and demonstrated USC's desire to retain their highly sought-after coach.
Following an investigation into NCAA violations, the NCAA announced sanctions against the USC football program on June 10, 2010. These sanctions included a two-year bowl ban, the loss of thirty football scholarships, and the forfeiture of some victories from 2004 to 2005, including all wins from their undefeated 2005-2006 regular season.
Under the guidance of head coach Mike Holmgren, the Seattle Seahawks achieved a 13-3 record in the 2005 season, a mark that would later be matched by Pete Carroll's team in 2013.
During a 2005 interview, Pete Carroll elaborated on the source of his infectiously positive demeanor, stating, "I always think something good's just about to happen." This statement provided insight into his optimistic coaching style.
From 2003 to 2005, USC achieved a school-record 34-game winning streak under the leadership of Pete Carroll. This streak, which concluded with the national championship game against the Texas Longhorns in the 2006 Rose Bowl, solidified the Trojans' dominance in college football during that period.
In July 2007, ESPN.com acknowledged USC's dominance by naming them the #1 team of the decade for the period between 1996 and 2006. This accolade solidified the Trojans' place as one of the most successful college football programs of that era.
USC experienced a surge in popularity under Pete Carroll, leading to record-breaking home attendance numbers. From 2001 to 2006, the average home attendance at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum increased significantly, reaching over 91,000 by 2006. This demonstrated the program's resurgence and the excitement Carroll generated among fans.
In July 2007, ESPN.com recognized USC's dominance by naming them the #1 team of the decade for the period between 1996 and 2006. The Trojans' resurgence and success under Pete Carroll played a significant role in this accolade.
On September 22, 2007, USC extended their impressive home winning streak to 35 games with a 47-14 victory over the Washington State Cougars. This win marked six consecutive years of dominance at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
USC's remarkable 35-game home winning streak came to an end on October 6, 2007, with a 24-23 loss to the Stanford Cardinal. Despite being the heavy favorites, the Trojans fell to their rivals, marking the end of a historic run.
In the 2007 fiscal year, Pete Carroll's total compensation, including salary and benefits, reached $4,415,714. This substantial figure underscored his status as a top coach and the financial strength of the USC athletic department.
In May 2008, Pete Carroll received further recognition for his impact on college football when he was named the coach who had done the most to define the first 10 years of the BCS Era. His innovative approach and success at USC solidified his legacy as a transformative figure in the sport.
In 2008, ESPN.com acknowledged the significance of Pete Carroll's hiring at USC by ranking it as the number one moment in the Pac-10 during the BCS era. This highlighted the positive impact Carroll had on the program.
In 2008, Pete Carroll reflected on USC's exclusion from the 2003 National Championship Game, emphasizing his team's focus on what they could control. He highlighted their goal of winning the conference and reaching the Rose Bowl, acknowledging that national championship aspirations were beyond their control.
April 2009 saw the launch of CampPete.com, a multiplayer online game designed by Carroll to share his "Win Forever" philosophy with children. This virtual platform features arcade games, motivational messages from Carroll, and sports trivia, with a portion of proceeds supporting "A Better LA."
In April 2009, Pete Carroll's athletic achievements were recognized with his induction into the charter class of the Redwood High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
In 2009, Pete Carroll concluded his highly successful run as the head football coach at USC, leaving behind a legacy of championships and a revitalized program.
The Seattle Seahawks fired head coach Jim L. Mora after the 2009 season. This event would pave the way for Pete Carroll's arrival in Seattle.
Following the Seattle Seahawks' dismissal of head coach Jim L. Mora after the 2009 season, rumors began circulating about Carroll's candidacy for the vacant position. On January 8, 2010, reports surfaced suggesting Carroll was on the verge of being named the Seahawks' head coach, with only "minor details" of the contract left to finalize. The Los Angeles Times reported that Carroll was "close to reaching an agreement" with the Seahawks.
By the morning of January 9, 2010, Carroll had reportedly reached an agreement with the Seattle Seahawks on a five-year contract to become their head coach.
On January 11, 2010, reports surfaced that Pete Carroll would be leaving USC to become the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Carroll had informed his players the previous evening about his decision to resign from his position with the Trojans.
On June 9, 2010, The Los Angeles Times reported that Pete Carroll, along with other current and former USC officials, had appeared before a ten-member NCAA Committee on Infractions in February of that year. This appearance was related to an investigation into alleged NCAA violations within the USC football program.
On June 10, 2010, Pete Carroll publicly expressed his shock and disappointment at the NCAA's findings regarding USC, stating that he was "absolutely shocked and disappointed."
The Football Writers Association of America declared on August 26, 2010, that it would reclaim USC's 2004 Grantland Rice Trophy, leaving the award for that year vacant—an unprecedented event in the award's history of over 50 years. Furthermore, the FWAA stated that USC would not be considered for the award in 2010. Accepting the decision, USC athletic director Pat Haden confirmed the university would return the trophy, emphasizing their prioritization of compliance over the disappointment of fans and former athletes.
Pete Carroll embarked on his NFL return in 2010, taking the helm as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, a position he would hold for over a decade.
In his inaugural season with the Seahawks, Carroll undertook a near-complete overhaul of the team's roster, executing over 200 transactions. This restructuring facilitated a promising 4–2 start to the 2010 season. Despite a subsequent decline in performance, the Seahawks clinched the NFC West division title with a victory over their rivals, the St. Louis Rams, in the final regular season game. Notably, they achieved this with a 7–9 record, becoming the first team in NFL history to win a division title with a losing record. Adding to the historical significance, Carroll's Seahawks then upset the reigning Super Bowl champions, the New Orleans Saints, in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs, fueled by running back Marshawn Lynch's memorable "Beast Quake" run. However, their playoff run was cut short the following week with a loss to the Chicago Bears in the Divisional Round.
The 2011 season saw Carroll guide the Seahawks to another 7–9 record. However, this time, it proved insufficient to secure a playoff berth. This outcome was partly attributed to the dominance of Carroll's former college rival coach, Jim Harbaugh, and his San Francisco 49ers, who concluded the season with an impressive 13–3 record. Notably, this season marked the first time in over a decade that the Seahawks operated with a starting quarterback other than Matt Hasselbeck.
The Seattle Seahawks experienced their last losing season in 2011 before facing a similar outcome in 2021.
Carroll steered the Seahawks to an 11–5 record in his third season, marking his first winning season with the team. The Seahawks went undefeated at home and secured their second playoff appearance under Carroll's leadership. However, the season was not without its share of controversy. A Week 3 Monday Night Football game against the Green Bay Packers was marred by a controversial officiating decision involving a Hail Mary pass from Russell Wilson to Golden Tate. The replacement officials' call in favor of the Seahawks sparked widespread outrage and scrutiny of the officiating. The Seahawks won their Wild Card Round game against the Washington Redskins but were defeated by the Atlanta Falcons in the Divisional Round.
The Seattle Seahawks began a home winning streak in Week 2 of the 2012 season, which would continue until a loss to the Arizona Cardinals in 2013.
The 2013 season saw the Seattle Seahawks, led by Carroll, establish a new franchise record with a 13–3 record, matching the accomplishment of Mike Holmgren's 2005 team. This achievement secured them the top seed in the NFC and a first-round bye in the playoffs. They defeated the New Orleans Saints in the Divisional Round and secured their place in Super Bowl XLVIII with a victory over their divisional rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, in the NFC Championship game. The game's defining moment, a tipped pass by Richard Sherman that led to a game-sealing interception by Malcolm Smith, is now famously referred to as "The Tip" or the "Immaculate Deflection."
On February 2, 2014, Pete Carroll etched his name into Seattle Seahawks history by leading the team to their first Super Bowl victory. They triumphed over the Denver Broncos with a resounding 43–8 score in Super Bowl XLVIII. This victory placed Carroll in an elite group of coaches, joining Barry Switzer and Jimmy Johnson as the only coaches to have won both an NCAA championship and a Super Bowl. At 62, Carroll became the third-oldest coach to win a Super Bowl, following Tom Coughlin (65 when the New York Giants won Super Bowl XLVI) and Dick Vermeil (63 when the St. Louis Rams won Super Bowl XXXIV).
In July 2014, Pete Carroll's contributions to USC were further honored with his induction into the USC Athletic Hall of Fame. This prestigious recognition cemented his legacy as one of the most successful coaches in the university's history.
During a visit to USC in 2014, Carroll reiterated his criticism of the NCAA's investigation into USC, describing it as poorly handled, irrational, and driven by emotion rather than facts. He maintained that the NCAA had made a "terrible error" in its judgment.
In 2014, the Seattle Seahawks embarked on a journey to defend their title as Super Bowl champions. The season was a roller coaster, featuring both exhilarating victories and tough losses. The Seahawks started strong, but mid-season losses tested their resilience. The team rallied, finishing the regular season 12-4, clinching the NFC West, and earning a playoff berth. Their journey culminated in Super Bowl XLIX, where they faced off against the New England Patriots in a rematch of the previous year's Super Bowl.
On February 1, 2015, Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks played against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX, a rematch of Super Bowl XLVIII. In a game filled with tension, the Seahawks, unfortunately, lost to the Patriots by a score of 28-24. The game's controversial ending, which involved a last-minute interception thrown by Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, sparked widespread debate and analysis about the strategic decisions made during the game's crucial moments.
The 2015 season brought a wave of scrutiny for Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks following the Super Bowl XLIX outcome. The season was marked by a mix of blown leads and impressive comebacks, reflecting the team's fighting spirit under Carroll's guidance. Despite the challenges, they secured a playoff spot. However, their journey ended in the Divisional Round against the Carolina Panthers, marking the end of their quest for a third consecutive Super Bowl appearance.
In July 2014, it was announced that Pete Carroll would be inducted into the USC Athletic Hall of Fame as part of the 2015 class. This honor recognized his exceptional achievements and lasting impact on the university's athletic program.
In 2015, Carroll suggested that the backlash against USC stemmed from the team's extraordinary success and the immense enjoyment they derived from it, something he believed others found hard to comprehend, leading to bitterness.
On July 25, 2016, Pete Carroll secured a three-year contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks, a testament to the team's confidence in his leadership. The extension reflected Carroll's significant impact on the Seahawks, solidifying his commitment to the team's future endeavors.
The Seattle Seahawks, under Pete Carroll's leadership, clinched their last division title in 2016 before their 2020 victory.
On October 14, 2018, Pete Carroll etched his name into the Seattle Seahawks' history books. With a victory over the Oakland Raiders, he surpassed Mike Holmgren to become the franchise's all-time winningest coach, a testament to his exceptional leadership and the team's sustained success during his tenure.
On September 15, 2019, a day that coincided with his 68th birthday, Pete Carroll celebrated a remarkable milestone. He achieved his 100th victory as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. This accomplishment cemented his legacy as one of the franchise's most successful coaches.
Pete Carroll's three-year contract extension, signed on July 25, 2016, was set to expire in 2019. This marked a significant point in his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, prompting speculation and anticipation regarding his future with the team.
On September 21, 2020, during the challenging circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pete Carroll faced a disciplinary action from the NFL. He received a fine of US$100,000 for not adhering to the league's safety protocols, specifically for not properly wearing a face mask during a Week 2 game.
On November 8, 2020, Pete Carroll's commitment to the Seattle Seahawks was further solidified as he agreed to a four-year contract extension. This agreement underscored the team's belief in his ability to lead and their shared vision for continued success.
In 2020, Pete Carroll's coaching prowess was recognized with the honor of coaching the NFC team in the Pro Bowl.
On January 16, 2022, following the Seattle Seahawks' first losing season since 2011, it was announced that Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider would remain in their respective positions. The decision reflected a vote of confidence from the organization, despite the challenging season, acknowledging the long-term vision and leadership they brought to the team.
After 14 seasons, Pete Carroll stepped down as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks in 2023, transitioning into an executive advisory role with the team.
The 2023 season marked another chapter in Pete Carroll's tenure with the Seattle Seahawks. The team finished with a 9-8 record but narrowly missed the playoffs after being edged out by the Green Bay Packers on the last day of the regular season.
On January 10, 2024, a significant development unfolded regarding Pete Carroll's future with the Seattle Seahawks. It was mutually decided that he would transition from his role as head coach, marking the end of an era for the franchise. However, Carroll's association with the team continued as he assumed an advisory role, ensuring his valuable insights and experience would still contribute to the organization's future endeavors.