The NFL coaching carousel is already spinning, and a familiar name has surfaced in connection with the Chicago Bears: Pete Carroll. Despite his recent departure from the Seattle Seahawks, reports indicate that Carroll is reportedly interested in taking on the Bears head coaching job, sparking immediate discussion across the league.
Carroll, who was scheduled to return to USC to teach in the spring, has reportedly expressed interest in leading the Chicago Bears, a team currently navigating a challenging season. This development coincides intriguingly with the Seahawks’ recent “Thursday Night Football” game against the Bears. During the broadcast, commentators highlighted the Bears’ struggles, including a nine-game losing streak and interim coach Thomas Brown’s winless record, subtly setting the stage for potential coaching changes and mentioning Carroll’s availability.
Adding another layer of intrigue to this potential pairing is the shared USC connection between Carroll and Bears’ rookie quarterback, Caleb Williams. Carroll boasts a legendary tenure at USC from 2001 to 2009, where he achieved a remarkable 97-19 record and secured national championships in 2003 and 2004. Williams, while arriving at USC after Carroll’s departure, became a standout player under Lincoln Riley, transferring in 2022 and winning the Heisman Trophy. Despite a less successful 2023 season, Williams’ talent was undeniable, leading to him being the first overall pick in the recent NFL draft by the Bears. The prospect of Carroll coaching Williams in the NFL is a compelling narrative for many fans.
Image alt text: Pete Carroll celebrates USC Emerald Bowl victory, highlighting his successful college coaching background.
The Chicago Bears are undeniably in need of a coach with a proven track record of success. Carroll certainly fits that bill. During his 14 seasons with the Seahawks, he established a winning culture, leading the team to nine consecutive winning seasons, ten playoff appearances, and a Super Bowl victory. He stands among an elite group of head coaches, including Barry Switzer, Jimmy Johnson, and Jim Harbaugh, who have achieved both a college national championship and a Super Bowl appearance, demonstrating his ability to win at the highest levels of both college and professional football.
However, Carroll’s age is a factor to consider. At 73, he is older than the current oldest NFL head coach, Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs. While Reid has demonstrated continued success, leading the Chiefs to multiple Super Bowl titles, Carroll’s energy and long-term commitment might be questioned by some. It’s worth noting that Carroll’s departure from the Seahawks after the 2023 season initially suggested a potential retirement, although his contract reportedly paid him $15 million through this season, indicating he wasn’t necessarily forced out due to performance.
Image alt text: Caleb Williams and CJ Stroud handshake after NFL game, depicting Williams as the Bears’ future QB.
Despite initially appearing “lukewarm” about returning to coaching in August, Carroll’s recent actions suggest a change of heart. Reports indicate that Carroll himself initiated this story, signaling his interest in the Bears’ head coaching position. While Carroll declined to comment directly to the LA Times, sources suggest that the Bears have reciprocated that interest and are considering a conversation with Carroll about their head coach opening. Furthermore, it’s reported that Carroll has made his desire to return to coaching known to other NFL teams as well, indicating a genuine eagerness to get back on the sidelines.
NFL insiders like Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated have corroborated the Bears’ interest in Carroll, stating that the team is interested in “sitting down and having a conversation” with him. This aligns with Carroll’s own statements made during his final days in Seattle, where he repeatedly emphasized his desire to continue coaching, reinforcing the authenticity of his current interest in the Bears job.
Currently, the Bears are considered one of several teams, including the New Orleans Saints and New York Jets, expected to be in the market for a new head coach at the end of the season. Chicago recently fired Matt Eberflus in November, highlighting the urgency for a coaching change to revitalize the team. Prior to Carroll’s emergence, Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, was considered a leading candidate, particularly for his potential to develop Caleb Williams and improve the Bears’ offense.
The potential pairing of Carroll and Williams is particularly intriguing given Williams’ up-and-down rookie season. While showcasing flashes of brilliance, Williams has also struggled with consistency and decision-making, being sacked a league-leading 60 times. However, his talent is undeniable, and the prospect of being coached by Carroll, who has a history of developing quarterbacks like Russell Wilson, could be instrumental in accelerating Williams’ growth and unlocking his full potential in the NFL. Despite any past differences with Wilson, Carroll’s track record in nurturing quarterback talent is well-established.
Image alt text: NFL game action showing player celebrating, unrelated image from original article as per instructions.
The unfolding situation has even cast doubt on Carroll’s scheduled spring teaching engagement at USC. His course, “The Game Is Life,” designed to guide students in developing life plans, is now potentially in jeopardy if he returns to the NFL sidelines. During the “Thursday Night Football” broadcast, commentators Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit playfully discussed the situation, with Michaels humorously suggesting Carroll might be surfing instead of coaching. The Bears’ loss to the Seahawks in that game further underscored their need for change, highlighting the stark contrast between the Seahawks, a team Carroll built, and the struggling Bears.
In conclusion, the reports of Pete Carroll’s interest in the Chicago Bears head coaching job are significant and warrant close attention. While his age and recent departure from Seattle raise some questions, his proven track record of success, Super Bowl pedigree, and potential connection with Caleb Williams make him a compelling candidate for the Bears. Whether this interest translates into a hire remains to be seen, but the possibility of Pete Carroll leading the Chicago Bears has undoubtedly injected excitement and speculation into the NFL coaching landscape.
