Pete Carroll, the most successful coach in Seattle Seahawks history, has announced his departure from the team after 14 seasons. The 72-year-old will remain with the organization as an advisor, but will no longer lead the team on the sidelines.
Carroll leaves behind a legacy of two NFC championships, one Super Bowl title, and 10 playoff appearances. He also leaves behind a fan base that will always remember him for his passion, energy, and optimism.
Pete Carroll has had a long and successful career as a football coach, both in college and in the NFL. He started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Pacific in 1973, and worked his way up to become the head coach of the New York Jets, the New England Patriots, and the Seattle Seahawks. Also coached the USC Trojans from 2001 to 2009, winning two national championships and seven conference titles. He is the most recent of four head coaches to win a college football national championship and an NFL championship.
Carroll was the head coach of the Seahawks from 2010 to 2023, leading them to their first and only Super Bowl title in 2013, as well as another Super Bowl appearance in 2014. He was the winningest coach in Seahawks history, with a record of 152-104-1. He was also known for his energetic and optimistic coaching style, and his impact on the community
But Carroll’s tenure was not without its challenges and controversies. He faced criticism for his conservative play-calling, his loyalty to underperforming players, and his handling of star quarterback Russell Wilson. He also had to deal with the aftermath of the most devastating loss in Super Bowl history, when Wilson threw an interception at the goal line in the final seconds against the New England Patriots in 2015.
Carroll announced that he would no longer be the head coach of the Seahawks, and would transition to an advisory role with the organization. He said that he still wanted to coach, but respected the decision of the team’s owner. He also thanked the players, coaches, staff, and fans for their support over the years. Carroll’s departure marked the end of an era for the Seahawks, who will now look for a new head coach to lead them into the future.
“I competed pretty hard to be the coach, just so you know,” Carroll said. “I just wanted to make sure I stood up for all of our coaches and the players and the things that we had accomplished. Not just so we could be the coach still, but so we could continue to have a chance to be successful and keep the organization going. That’s what I was fighting for.”
Carroll’s departure marks the end of an era for the Seahawks, who will now look for a new head coach to lead them into the future. Some of the potential candidates include former Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, current Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson.
Whoever takes over will have big shoes to fill, as Carroll set the bar high for the Seahawks with his achievements and his personality. He will be remembered as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, and one of the most beloved figures in Seattle sports.
