Success coach is apparently working on a return

Former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is apparently interested in returning to the NFL.

Around a year after his separation from the Seahawks, Pete Carroll (73) is said to have put out feelers for a new team in the NFL. As reporter Adam Schefter from “ESPN” reported on Wednesday, he is said to be particularly interested in a commitment to the Chicago Bears.

Three teams currently have open head coaching positions for next season – the Bears, New York Jets and New Orleans Saints. And according to the report, all three are likely to be looking for a coach who can noticeably change the mood and attitude in the dressing room. Carroll demonstrated that he had this ability in Seattle over a decade ago.

The Bears parted ways with Matt Eberflus after a 20-23 loss at the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving. Offensive coordinator Thomas Brown took over for him as interim head coach. But given the Bears’ continued poor performance, it is expected that a completely new coach will take over in the spring.

Carroll in an illustrious circle

Carroll is one of only four coaches to have led their teams to both a college football National Championship Game and a Super Bowl. Carroll won multiple titles with USC and ultimately Super Bowl 48 with the Seahawks over the Denver Broncos (43-8) after the 2013 season. The other coaches to do so were Barry Switzer, Jimmy Johnson and Jim Harbaugh.

Carroll took over the Seahawks in 2010 and coached the team for 14 years until the 2023 season. Under him, the Seahawks reached the playoffs ten times and reached the Super Bowl twice, including the Washington franchise’s only title.

Carroll last commented on his coaching future in August. He told radio station “93.9 KJR” at the time: “I get asked that a lot and I’ve gotten used to saying that I could coach tomorrow. I’m physically in the best shape I’ve been in a long time.” However, Carroll added: “I could return, but at the moment I don’t want to.”

Now, however, Carroll is said to have started talking more intensively about returning to the NFL.