History of Pete Carroll in Timeline

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.

Sections (5)

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

September 15, 1951: Peter Carroll Born

On September 15, 1951, Peter Clay Carroll was born. He would later become a successful football coach in both college and the NFL.

Others born on this day/year

1969: Athlete of the Year

In 1969, Pete Carroll was named the Athlete of the Year at his high school, recognizing his achievements in football, basketball, and baseball.

1971: All-Pacific Coast Athletic Association Honors

In 1971, Pete Carroll earned All-Pacific Coast Athletic Association honors for his performance as a free safety for the University of the Pacific Tigers.

1973: Graduated from University of the Pacific

In 1973, Pete Carroll graduated from the University of the Pacific with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

1974: Source of Coaching Inspiration

In 1974, Carroll draws coaching inspiration from the 1974 book The Inner Game of Tennis by tennis coach W. Timothy Gallwey, which he picked up as graduate student at the University of the Pacific.

1976: Earned Master's Degree in Physical Education

In 1976, Pete Carroll earned a Master's degree in physical education from the Pacific University while working as a graduate assistant, marking an important step in his coaching career.

1977: Graduate Assistant at Arkansas

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

1978: Razorbacks won the 1978 Orange Bowl

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

1980: Defensive Coordinator at North Carolina State

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

1980: Ohio State Lost to USC in Rose Bowl

In 1980, the Ohio State squad, where Pete Carroll coached the secondary, made it to the Rose Bowl where they 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 University.

1984: Defensive Backs Coach of the Buffalo Bills

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

1985: Defensive Backs Coach of the Minnesota Vikings

In 1985, Pete Carroll moved on to work with the Minnesota Vikings as the defensive backs coach.

1989: Candidate for Head Coaching Position at Stanford University

In 1989, Pete Carroll was a candidate for the head coaching position at Stanford University, but he didn't get the job.

1990: Defensive Coordinator for the New York Jets

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

1992: Candidate for Vikings Head Coach

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

1993: Carroll Resigns as Defensive Coordinator

In 1993, Pete Carroll resigned as defensive coordinator of the NY Jets.

1994: Named Head Coach of the New York Jets

In 1994, Pete Carroll became the head coach of the New York Jets in the NFL, marking a significant step in his early coaching career.

1994: Elevated to Head Coach of the Jets

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

1995: Defensive Coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers

In 1995, Pete Carroll became 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, recognizing his accomplishments as a player and coach.

1996: Start of USC's decade of dominance

The year 1996 marks the beginning of the decade that ESPN recognized USC as the top team, citing their renaissance and dominance under Carroll.

1997: Named Head Coach of the New England Patriots

In 1997, Pete Carroll became the head coach of the New England Patriots, continuing his NFL coaching journey.

1997: USC Tried to Recruit Carroll

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 at that time.

1998: Patriots Lost in Wild Card

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

1999: Fired by the New England Patriots

In 1999, Pete Carroll was fired by the New England Patriots after his team missed the playoffs.

December 15, 2000: Named Head Coach of the USC Trojans

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

2000: Consultant for Pro and College Teams

In 2000, Pete Carroll spent the year as a consultant for pro and college teams, doing charitable work, and writing a column for CNNSI.com.

September 29, 2001: USC Lost to Stanford Cardinal

On September 29, 2001, during Pete Carroll's first year, USC lost to Stanford Cardinal 21-16.

October 13, 2001: USC Winning Streak at the Coliseum Began

On October 13, 2001, USC's 35-game winning streak at the Coliseum began with a 48-17 victory over the Arizona State Sun Devils.

2001: Named Head Coach of the USC Trojans

In 2001, Pete Carroll became the head coach of the USC Trojans, marking his shift to college football and the start of a successful era for the program.

2001: Slow Start at USC

In 2001, Pete Carroll's first USC team started the season with a 2-5 record, leading to criticism and concerns about the program's future.

2002: NFL Teams Approached Carroll

Beginning in 2002, Pete Carroll was repeatedly approached by NFL teams regarding vacant head coach positions, but he hesitated to return due to previous experiences.

2002: Carroll Received a Raise

In 2002, Pete Carroll received a significant raise after the season.

April 2003: Founding of A Better LA

In April 2003, Pete Carroll helped organize a meeting that resulted in the founding of A Better LA, a charity focused on reducing violence in urban areas of Los Angeles.

2003: USC Streak Started

In 2003, Pete Carroll's team won a then-school record 34 straight games from 2003 to 2005.

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.

2004: Carroll Earned Close to $3 Million

In 2004, Pete Carroll earned close to $3 million, which ended with USC winning the BCS title in January 2005.

2004: USC's Grantland Rice Trophy revoked

In 2004, USC's Grantland Rice Trophy was revoked.

2004: USC victories forfeited due to NCAA sanctions

In 2004, some USC football victories were forfeited due to NCAA sanctions.

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.

January 2005: USC Won BCS Title

In January 2005, Pete Carroll coached USC to win the BCS title.

December 2005: Carroll Agreed to Contract Extension

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

2005: Won BCS National Championship

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

2005: USC Streak Ended

In 2005, Pete Carroll's USC team won a then-school record 34 straight games from 2003 to 2005.

2005: USC victories forfeited due to NCAA sanctions

In 2005, some USC football victories were forfeited due to NCAA sanctions.

2005: Carroll ties best record in Seattle history

In 2013, Pete Carroll's 13-3 record with the Seattle Seahawks matched Mike Holmgren's 2005 season record for best in Seattle history.

2005: Explaining Enthusiasm

In a 2005 interview, Carroll explained his motivation stating, "I always think something good's just about to happen."

2006: USC Streak Ended

In 2006, Pete Carroll's then-school record 34 straight games came to an end at the national championship game against the Texas Longhorns in the Rose Bowl.

2006: End of USC's decade of dominance

The year 2006 marks the end of the decade that ESPN recognized USC as the top team, citing their renaissance and dominance under Carroll.

July 2007: ESPN names USC #1 team of the decade

In July 2007, ESPN.com named USC its #1 team of the decade (1996-2006), citing the Trojans' renaissance and dominance under Pete Carroll.

September 22, 2007: Final Victory in Coliseum Streak

On September 22, 2007, USC had their final victory in the 35-game winning streak at the Coliseum, winning 47-14 over the Washington State Cougars.

October 6, 2007: USC Lost to Stanford

On October 6, 2007, USC's 35-game winning streak at the Coliseum ended with a 24-23 loss to Stanford.

2007: Carroll's Total Compensation was $4,415,714

For 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 named the coach who did the most to define the first 10 years of the BCS Era.

2008: Hiring Named Top Moment of BCS Era

In 2008, ESPN.com named Pete Carroll's hiring as the number one moment in a list of the Pac-10's top ten moments of the BCS era, highlighting the turnaround he brought to USC.

2008: Carroll Comments on National Championship

In 2008, Pete Carroll reflected on the 2003 season when USC was excluded from the National Championship Game, emphasizing the importance of focusing on controllable goals like winning the Rose Bowl.

April 2009: Launch of CampPete.com

In April 2009, Pete Carroll launched CampPete.com, a multi-player online game aimed at bringing his 'Win Forever' philosophy to kids, with a portion of proceeds supporting A Better LA.

April 2009: Inducted into Redwood High School Hall of Fame

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

2009: Carroll considered for Seahawks job

After the 2009 season, Pete Carroll was rumored to be in the running for the Seattle Seahawks head coach job.

January 8, 2010: Carroll rumored to be hired as Seahawks head coach

On January 8, 2010, it was reported that Pete Carroll was about to be hired as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks.

January 9, 2010: Carroll reaches agreement with Seahawks

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

January 11, 2010: Carroll Left USC to Coach the Seahawks

On January 11, 2010, it was reported that Pete Carroll would be leaving USC to coach the Seattle Seahawks, agreeing to a 5-year $33 million contract.

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.

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.

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.

2010: Named Head Coach of the Seattle Seahawks

In 2010, Pete Carroll became the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, signaling his return to the NFL after a successful stint in college football.

2010: Seahawks win division title with 7-9 record

In 2010, Pete Carroll's first season with the Seahawks, the team finished 7-9 but won their NFC West division, becoming the first 7-9 team in NFL history to win a division title.

2011: Acknowledged that he would not have been here a long time without his starting quarterback

During the season, the Seahawks' first such losing season since 2011, Carroll candidly admitted to the media that he "probably wouldn't have been here a long time" without his longtime starting quarterback

2011: Seahawks finish with 7-9 record

In 2011, Pete Carroll coached the Seahawks to another 7-9 record, which was not enough to secure a playoff spot.

2012: Seahawks have a winning season and playoff berth

In 2012, Pete Carroll led the Seahawks to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth, marking his first winning season for the team. The Seahawks also faced controversy during the Monday Night Football game against the Green Bay Packers due to officiating.

2012: Seahawks begin at-home winning streak

In 2012, the Seahawks began an at-home winning streak that carried on into the 2013 season.

2013: Seahawks finish 13-3 and secure top seed in NFC

In 2013, Pete Carroll led the Seattle Seahawks to a 13-3 record, securing the number one seed in the NFC. The Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game.

February 2, 2014: Carroll leads Seahawks to Super Bowl XLVIII victory

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.

July 2014: Carroll announced as USC Athletic Hall of Fame member

In July 2014, Pete Carroll was announced as a member of the 2015 USC Athletic Hall of Fame class.

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.

2014: Seahawks start season strong

In 2014, the Seahawks started strong, defeating the Green Bay Packers and the Denver Broncos early in the season.

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.

2015: Carroll praised for handling Super Bowl XLIX adversity

In 2015, Pete Carroll received both criticism and praise for how he handled the adversity following the Super Bowl XLIX loss. The Seahawks clinched a playoff berth after a rocky start to the season.

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.

2015: Induction into USC Athletic Hall of Fame

Pete Carroll was inducted into the USC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015.

July 25, 2016: Contract Extension with 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.

2016: Won division title since 2016

In 2020 Pete Carroll and the Seahawks won their first division title since 2016

2017: Seahawks Miss Playoffs

In 2017, Pete Carroll's eighth season with the Seahawks, the team finished with a 9-7 record, missing the playoffs for only the second time during his tenure with the team.

October 14, 2018: Seahawks All-Time Wins Leader

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

September 15, 2019: 100th Win as Seahawks Head Coach

On September 15, 2019, his 68th birthday, Pete Carroll achieved his 100th win as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers.

2019: Contract Extension Term

In 2016 Pete Carroll signed a three year contract extension that would keep him with the Seahawks through the 2019 season.

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.

November 8, 2020: Contract Extension with Seahawks

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

2020: Named NFL All-Decade Team Coach

During the 2020 offseason, Pete Carroll was named as a coach for the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team along with Bill Belichick.

2020: Coached NFC Team in Pro Bowl

Pete Carroll coached the NFC team in the 2020 Pro Bowl.

January 16, 2022: Carroll to Retain Seahawks Job

On January 16, 2022, it was reported that Pete Carroll would retain his job as head coach of the Seahawks for the 2022 season, despite a losing season.

2023: Seahawks Miss Playoffs

In 2023, Pete Carroll led the Seahawks to a 9-8 record, but the team was eliminated from the playoffs on the last day of the season due to a tiebreaker.

2023: Carroll leaves Seahawks

In 2023, Pete Carroll stepped down as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks and took an advisory position within the organization after 14 seasons.

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

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

2024: Carroll Moves to Advisor Role

In 2024, after stepping down as head coach, Pete Carroll transitioned to an advisor role within the Seahawks organization, limiting his interactions with the team to allow his successor to build his own vision.

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, departing Seattle after 15 years. He will become the oldest head coach in NFL history upon coaching his first game for the Raiders.