History of Pete Carroll in Timeline

Peter Carroll is an American football coach, most recently the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks (2010-2023). Previously, he held head coaching positions with the USC Trojans, New York Jets, and New England Patriots. He is one of only three coaches to win both a college football national championship and a Super Bowl, achieving this feat with USC and the Seahawks respectively. Carroll's coaching career spans both the professional and collegiate levels, marked by success and a distinctive coaching style.

Sections (5)

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

September 15, 1951: Peter Clay Carroll Born

On September 15, 1951, Peter Clay Carroll was born. He would later become a professional football coach.

Others born on this day/year

1969: Athlete of the Year

In 1969, Pete Carroll was named Athlete of the Year at his high school.

1971: All-Pacific Coast Athletic Association Honors

In 1971, Pete Carroll earned All-Pacific Coast Athletic Association honors.

1973: Graduated from University of the Pacific

In 1973, Pete Carroll earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of the Pacific. He also received the Charles Erb Jr. Award, the Tully Knoles Award, and the Sid Robinson Award.

1974: Inspiration from "The Inner Game of Tennis"

In 1974, Pete Carroll drew coaching inspiration from the book "The Inner Game of Tennis" by W. Timothy Gallwey, which he picked up as a graduate student. Carroll summarized the philosophy from the book as clearing the clutter in interactions between the conscious and subconscious mind.

1976: Earned Master's Degree

In 1976, Pete Carroll earned a Master's degree in physical education.

1977: Graduate Assistant at University of Arkansas

In 1977, Pete Carroll spent the season as a graduate assistant at the University of Arkansas, working with the secondary.

1978: Arkansas Won Orange Bowl

In 1978, the Arkansas Razorbacks, where Pete Carroll was a graduate assistant, won the Orange Bowl.

1980: Defensive Coordinator at North Carolina State University

In 1980, Pete Carroll became the defensive coordinator and secondary coach at North Carolina State University.

1980: Rose Bowl Appearance

In 1980, the Ohio State squad, where Pete Carroll coached the secondary, made it to the Rose Bowl but lost to USC.

1983: Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator at Pacific

In 1983, Pete Carroll became the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator at Pacific.

1983: Last Coached in College Ranks

Prior to his hiring by USC in 2000, the last time Pete Carroll coached in the college ranks was in 1983.

1984: Defensive Backs Coach for Buffalo Bills

In 1984, Pete Carroll entered the NFL as the defensive backs coach of the Buffalo Bills.

1985: Defensive Backs Coach for Minnesota Vikings

In 1985, Pete Carroll became the defensive backs coach for the Minnesota Vikings, a position he held until 1989.

1989: Candidate for Stanford Head Coach

In 1989, Pete Carroll was a candidate for the head coaching position at Stanford University, but the position went to Dennis Green.

1990: Defensive Coordinator for New York Jets

In 1990, Pete Carroll became the defensive coordinator for the New York Jets.

1992: Candidate for Vikings Head Coach

In 1992, Pete Carroll was a serious candidate for the Vikings' head coach position but lost the position to Dennis Green.

1993: Continued as Defensive Coordinator for Jets

In 1993, Pete Carroll continued his role as the defensive coordinator for the New York Jets.

1994: Head Coach of the New York Jets

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

1995: Defensive Coordinator for 49ers

In 1995, Pete Carroll was hired as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers.

1995: Inducted into Pacific Athletic Hall of Fame

In 1995, Pete Carroll was inducted into the Pacific Athletic Hall of Fame.

1997: Head Coach of the New England Patriots

In 1997, Pete Carroll became the head coach of the New England Patriots in the NFL.

1997: USC Coaching Position

In 1997, USC tried to recruit Pete Carroll to be their head coach while he was coaching the Patriots, but Carroll was unable to take the position.

1998: Lost in Wild Card Playoff Round

In 1998, Pete Carroll's Patriots team lost in the wild card playoff round.

1999: Fired by Patriots

In 1999, Pete Carroll was fired as the head coach of the New England Patriots after missing the playoffs.

1999: End of Tenure with Patriots

In 1999, Pete Carroll's tenure as the head coach of the New England Patriots concluded.

December 15, 2000: Named Head Coach of USC Trojans

On December 15, 2000, Pete Carroll was named the head coach of the USC Trojans, signing a five-year contract.

2000: Consultant and Writer

In 2000, Pete Carroll spent the season as a consultant for pro and college teams, did charitable work for the NFL, and wrote a column about pro football for CNNSI.com.

September 29, 2001: Last Loss before 35-Game Winning Streak

On September 29, 2001, Pete Carroll's team had their last loss before a 35-game winning streak at the Coliseum to the Stanford Cardinal, 21-16.

October 13, 2001: Began 35-Game Winning Streak at the Coliseum

On October 13, 2001, Pete Carroll's team began a 35-game winning streak at the Coliseum with a 48–17 win over the Arizona State Sun Devils.

2001: USC Trojans Head Coach

In 2001, Pete Carroll became the head coach for the USC Trojans.

2001: Start of USC Coaching

In 2001, Pete Carroll's first USC team started with a 2–5 record, leading to criticism, but his teams then went 67–7.

2002: Received Significant Raise

After the 2002 season, Pete Carroll received a significant raise.

2002: NFL Approaches

Beginning in 2002, Pete Carroll was repeatedly approached regarding vacant head coach positions in the NFL.

2003: Started 34 Straight Game Winning Streak

From 2003, Pete Carroll's team won a then-school record 34 straight games.

2003: Excluded from National Championship Game

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

2004: Trojans asked to return the Grantland Rice Trophy

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

2004: Forfeiture of some football victories from 2004

In June 2010, the NCAA announced sanctions against the USC football program, including the forfeiture of some football victories from 2004.

2004: Earned Close to $3 Million

In the 2004 season, Pete Carroll earned close to $3 million.

January 2005: Won BCS Title

In January 2005, Pete Carroll ended the 2004 season with USC winning the BCS title.

December 2005: Contract Extension

In December 2005, Pete Carroll agreed to a contract extension.

2005: Won 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: Ended 34 Straight Game Winning Streak

In 2005, Pete Carroll's team ended a then-school record 34 straight games with a national championship game against the Texas Longhorns in the 2006 Rose Bowl.

2005: Forfeiture of some football victories from 2005

In June 2010, the NCAA announced sanctions against the USC football program, including the forfeiture of some football victories from 2005.

2005: Carroll matches Holmgren Record

Pete Carroll matched Mike Holmgren's 2005 season of the same record.

2006: Rose Bowl Against the Texas Longhorns

In 2006, Pete Carroll's team ended a then-school record 34 straight games with a national championship game against the Texas Longhorns in the Rose Bowl.

July 2007: USC Named #1 Team of the Decade by ESPN

In July 2007, ESPN.com named USC the #1 team of the decade (1996-2006), highlighting the Trojans' resurgence under Carroll's leadership.

September 22, 2007: Final Victory in 35-Game Streak at the Coliseum

On September 22, 2007, Pete Carroll's team had the final victory of a 35-game winning streak at the Coliseum with a 47–14 win over the Washington State Cougars.

October 6, 2007: End of 35-Game Winning Streak at the Coliseum

On October 6, 2007, Pete Carroll's team suffered a 24–23 loss to the Stanford Cardinal, ending a 35-game winning streak at the Coliseum.

2007: Total Compensation $4,415,714

In the 2007 fiscal year, Pete Carroll's total compensation, including pay and benefits, was $4,415,714.

May 2008: Carroll Defined the First 10 Years of the BCS Era

In May 2008, Pete Carroll was recognized as the coach who most defined the first 10 years of the BCS Era.

2008: ESPN.com Ranked Carroll's Hiring Number 1

In 2008, ESPN.com ranked Pete Carroll's hiring as the number 1 moment of the BCS era.

2008: Asked about Winning the Rose Bowl

In 2008, Pete Carroll was asked if winning the Rose Bowl was ever not enough.

April 2009: Inducted into Redwood High School Athletic Hall of Fame

In April 2009, Pete Carroll was inducted into the charter class of the Redwood High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

2009: End of USC Trojans Coaching Career

In 2009, Pete Carroll ended his career as the head coach for the USC Trojans.

January 8, 2010: Carroll Rumored to be Hired as Seahawks Head Coach

On January 8, 2010, it was reported that Pete Carroll was close to being hired as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, with only minor details remaining to be finalized in the contract.

January 9, 2010: Carroll Agrees to Contract with Seattle Seahawks

On the morning of January 9, 2010, Pete Carroll reportedly reached an agreement with the Seattle Seahawks on a five-year contract to become their head coach.

January 11, 2010: Carroll Leaving USC to Coach the Seattle Seahawks

On January 11, 2010, Pete Carroll officially left USC to become the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, agreeing to a 5-year, $33 million contract. He had informed his players the previous evening about his resignation from USC.

June 9, 2010: Carroll Appears Before NCAA Committee on Infractions

On June 9, 2010, it was reported that Pete Carroll, along with other USC officials, appeared before a ten-member NCAA Committee on Infractions regarding alleged violations.

June 10, 2010: Carroll Reacts to USC Sanctions

On June 10, 2010, Pete Carroll expressed his shock and disappointment regarding the NCAA's findings against USC 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 (FWAA) announced it would take back USC's 2004 Grantland Rice Trophy and leave that year's award vacant due to sanctions.

2010: Seahawks win Division Title

In 2010, Carroll's first season, the Seahawks overturned the roster, started 4-2, faltered in the season's second half, but beat the St. Louis Rams to win the division championship with a 7-9 record. They then upset the Super Bowl Champions New Orleans Saints in the wild-card round before losing to the Chicago Bears in the Divisional Round.

2010: Hired as Head Coach of the Seahawks

In 2010, Pete Carroll returned to the NFL as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks.

2011: Seahawks Finish with 7-9 Record

In 2011, Carroll coached the Seahawks to another 7-9 record, but the team did not secure a playoff spot, due to the performance of the San Francisco 49ers.

2012: Seahawks Finish with 11-5 Record

In 2012, Carroll and rookie quarterback Russell Wilson led the Seahawks to an 11-5 record, marking Carroll's first winning season with the team. The Seahawks' season included controversy over a Week 3 game against the Green Bay Packers and ended with a Divisional Round loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

2012: Seahawks Begin at Home Winning Streak

The Seattle Seahawks in Week 2 of the 2012 season began an at-home winning streak.

2013: Seahawks Finish at 13-3

The Seattle Seahawks began the 2013 season with four consecutive preseason wins, and finished at 13-3. The Seahawks defeated the New Orleans Saints in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. In the NFC Championship Game, the Seahawks secured a win over the San Francisco 49ers.

February 2, 2014: Carroll Leads Seahawks to Super Bowl XLVIII Win

On February 2, 2014, Pete Carroll led the Seattle Seahawks to their first Super Bowl win in franchise history, defeating the Denver Broncos 43-8 in Super Bowl XLVIII. He became one of the few coaches to win both an NCAA championship and a Super Bowl.

July 2014: Carroll Announced as Member of USC Athletic Hall of Fame

In July 2014, Pete Carroll was announced as a member of the 2015 USC Athletic Hall of Fame class, recognizing his contributions to the university's athletic program.

2014: Seahawks Defeat Green Bay and Denver

In 2014, the Seahawks began their quest to repeat as champions with a 36–16 defeat of the Green Bay Packers and defeated the Denver Broncos, 26–20 in overtime.

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: Seahawks Clinch Playoff Berth

In 2015, Pete Carroll was criticized after Super Bowl XLIX, but the Seahawks clinched a playoff berth after a 4-5 start, winning five consecutive games, and winning its Wild Card Round. The Seahawks fell to the Carolina Panthers in the Divisional Round 31–24.

July 25, 2016: Contract Extension with the Seahawks

On July 25, 2016, Pete Carroll signed a three-year contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks, keeping him with the team through the 2019 season.

October 14, 2018: Seahawks All-Time Wins Leader

On October 14, 2018, Pete Carroll achieved his 91st win as head coach of the Seahawks against the Oakland Raiders, becoming the franchise's all-time wins leader, surpassing Mike Holmgren.

2018: Seahawks' Winningest Coach

In 2018, Pete Carroll became the Seattle Seahawks' winningest coach.

September 15, 2019: Carroll Wins 100th Game as Seahawks Head Coach

On September 15, 2019, Pete Carroll won his 100th game as the head coach of the Seahawks, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers on his 68th birthday.

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 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

November 8, 2020: Carroll Agrees to Contract Extension

On November 8, 2020, Pete Carroll and the Seahawks agreed to a four-year contract extension.

2023: Carroll Stepped Down as Head Coach

Following the 2023 season, Pete Carroll stepped down as head coach and took an advisory position with the Seahawks.

2023: Stepped Down as Head Coach of the Seattle Seahawks

In 2023, Pete Carroll stepped down as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks.

January 10, 2024: Carroll Steps Down as Seahawks Head Coach

On January 10, 2024, Pete Carroll and the Seahawks mutually agreed that he would step down from his head coaching role.

January 25, 2025: Carroll Hired as Raiders Head Coach

On January 25, 2025, Pete Carroll was hired as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders after 15 years with the Seattle Seahawks.

2025: Head Coach of the Las Vegas Raiders

In 2025, Pete Carroll is expected to become the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.

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