Pete Carroll has cemented his place as a transformative figure in American football, boasting a coaching career that spans over three decades and touches both college and professional levels. His journey is marked by consistent success, impactful leadership, and a distinctive coaching philosophy. This article delves into the extensive Pete Carroll Coaching Career, examining his record, his influential coaching tree, and the key milestones that define his enduring legacy.
Coaching Record
| Years Coached | Record | Win % | Playoff record | Playoff win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 266-215-1 | 55.29% | 15-17 | 46.88% |
Coaching Tree
Parents:
Jerry Burns, Bruce Coslet, Bud Grant, Kay Stephenson
Children:
Dan Quinn, Dave Canales, Robert Saleh, Gus Bradley
Career Summary
The Pete Carroll coaching career in the National Football League (NFL) spanned from 1984 to 2023, concluding his tenure as the head coach and executive vice president of football operations for the Seattle Seahawks. Over 30 years, his teams amassed an impressive cumulative record of 266 wins, 215 losses, and 1 tie. Eighteen of those years were spent as a head coach, beginning with a brief stint with the New York Jets. In his single season with the Jets, he achieved a 6-10-0 record. He then took the helm of the New England Patriots from 1997 to 1999, guiding them to a 27-21-0 record before his dismissal on January 3, 2000.
His most significant head coaching chapter began in 2010 with the Seattle Seahawks. For fourteen seasons, Carroll transformed the Seahawks into a consistent contender, achieving a 137-89-1 record. The pinnacle of his Seahawks career was in 2013 when they dominated the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII with a resounding 43-8 victory. Carroll’s tenure with the Seahawks concluded on January 10, 2024. Across his head coaching career with the Jets, Patriots, and Seahawks, he compiled a 170-120-1 regular season record and an 11-11 playoff record. Looking ahead, Carroll is set to embark on a new chapter, being hired as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders for the 2025 season.
Pete Carroll’s Coaching Pedigree
Before establishing himself as a head coach, Pete Carroll’s coaching career included significant assistant coaching roles under respected figures like Kay Stephenson, Bud Grant, Jerry Burns, Bruce Coslet, and George Seifert. He spent four formative years each under the mentorship of Jerry Burns and Bruce Coslet. Interestingly, his impact extends beyond his own teams, as four of his assistant coaches – Dan Quinn, Dave Canales, Gus Bradley, and Robert Saleh – have risen to become head coaches in the NFL. Collectively, this coaching tree has achieved a 94-143-0 regular season record and a 5-3 playoff record in their sixteen seasons as head coaches, a testament to Carroll’s influence and mentorship.
Personal Background
Born on September 15, 1951, in San Francisco, California, Pete Carroll’s journey in football began long before his coaching accolades.
Playing Career
College Years
Pete Carroll’s involvement in football began in 1969 at the College of Marin, where he played for two seasons. His dedication and talent led him to the University of the Pacific in 1971. At Pacific, he earned All-Pacific Coast Conference honors twice and was later inducted into the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995. He remained at UOP until his graduation in 1973, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. His aspirations to play professionally in the World Football League were ultimately unsuccessful, which pivoted him towards the path of coaching.
Coaching Career in Detail
Early College Coaching Roles
University of the Pacific (Graduate Assistant)
The Pete Carroll coaching career officially commenced at his alma mater, the University of the Pacific, in 1973. Hired as a graduate assistant, his initial season was promising, with the team achieving a 7-2-1 record. However, subsequent seasons saw a decline, culminating in a 2-9 record in 1976, his final year with the program. During this period, Carroll formed a significant professional relationship with Bob Cope, a mentor he would collaborate with in the years to come.
University of Arkansas (Graduate Assistant)
In 1977, Carroll joined the Arkansas Razorbacks as a graduate assistant, reunited with Bob Cope. The Razorbacks experienced a highly successful season, finishing 11-1 and winning the Orange Bowl. Following this triumph, Carroll progressed to his first full-time coaching position at Iowa State.
Iowa State University (Secondary Coach)
Carroll’s first full-time role came in 1978 as the secondary coach for the Iowa State Cyclones under Head Coach Earle Bruce. The Cyclones achieved an 8-4 record that season. Carroll’s association with Bruce continued as he followed him to Ohio State.
Ohio State University (Secondary Coach)
In 1979, Ohio State University hired Carroll as their secondary coach at the request of newly appointed Head Coach Earle Bruce. The Buckeyes concluded the season with an impressive 11-1 record, narrowly losing the Rose Bowl to the University of Southern California.
North Carolina State University (Defensive Coordinator)
A significant step in Pete Carroll’s coaching career occurred in 1980 when North Carolina State University appointed him as their defensive coordinator and secondary coach. This marked his first opportunity to lead a defense. His first and only full season with the Wolfpack resulted in a 6-5 record, followed by a 4-7 record in 1981. Coaching changes led to his departure at the end of the 1982 season, prompting a return to familiar territory.
University of the Pacific (Offensive Coordinator)
In 1983, Carroll transitioned to the offensive side of the ball, becoming the offensive coordinator and assistant head coach at the University of the Pacific under Head Coach Bob Cope. This marked his fourth and final collaboration with Cope. After a single season, Carroll made a pivotal move to the NFL.
NFL Coaching Journey
Buffalo Bills (Defensive Backs Coach)
Pete Carroll’s coaching career entered the professional realm in 1984 with the Buffalo Bills, where he served as the defensive backs coach. Unfortunately, the Bills struggled that season, finishing with a 2-14 record, their worst in eight years. The team’s defense conceded a franchise-record 454 points and ranked poorly in numerous defensive metrics.
Minnesota Vikings (Defensive Backs Coach)
In 1985, Carroll joined the Minnesota Vikings as their defensive backs coach. His initial two seasons were unremarkable, with 7-9 and 9-7 records respectively. However, from his third season onward, the Vikings embarked on a three-year playoff streak. The 1987 season was particularly notable, as the Vikings reached the NFC Championship game. They continued to be playoff contenders in the following two seasons, reaching the divisional round each time. After the 1989 season, Carroll departed the Vikings for a more prominent role with the New York Jets.
New York Jets (Defensive Coordinator, Head Coach)
Carroll was hired as the defensive coordinator for the New York Jets in 1990. During his tenure as defensive coordinator, the Jets made the playoffs only once in 1991, losing in the Wild Card game to the Houston Oilers. In 1994, Carroll was promoted to head coach, but the team finished with a disappointing 6-10 record, leading to his termination at the end of the season.
San Francisco 49ers (Defensive Coordinator)
In 1995, Carroll became the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. His first season with the 49ers saw them achieve an 11-5 record, but they were defeated in the Wild Card round by the Green Bay Packers. The following season resulted in another playoff appearance, with a Wild Card victory followed by a divisional round loss, again to the Packers. Following the 1996 season, Carroll left to pursue his second head coaching opportunity.
New England Patriots (Head Coach)
Pete Carroll’s coaching career took another head coaching turn with the New England Patriots in 1997, where he stayed for three seasons. The Patriots reached the playoffs in his first two seasons, losing in the divisional round in 1997 and the Wild Card round in 1998. His final season in 1999 resulted in an even 8-8 record. After the 1999 season, Carroll was dismissed by the Patriots and took a year away from coaching, working as a consultant and focusing on other ventures.
Return to College Football
University of Southern California (Head Coach)
After a year away, Carroll returned to coaching in 2001, accepting the head coaching position at the University of Southern California (USC). His nine-year tenure at USC was transformative, revitalizing the football program. He achieved 50 wins faster than any coach in USC history. Under his leadership, USC won an unprecedented seven consecutive Pac-10 titles, consistently ranked in the AP top 4, and made an NCAA record seven consecutive BCS Bowl appearances from 2002 to 2008. His time at USC represents the most successful period in Trojan football history, amassing a 96-19 record before his return to the NFL. He guided the Trojans to back-to-back national championships in 2003 and 2004. His final college season was in 2009.
Return to the NFL – Seattle Seahawks Era
Seattle Seahawks (Head Coach / Executive Vice President of Football Operations)
Pete Carroll’s coaching career reached its zenith with his return to the NFL in 2010 as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Leveraging his success at USC, Carroll brought a new energy and philosophy to Seattle. During his Seahawks tenure, the team made the playoffs in four out of five seasons and achieved two consecutive Super Bowl appearances. In Super Bowl XLVIII in 2013, Carroll secured his first Super Bowl victory as a head coach, with the Seahawks defeating the Denver Broncos in a dominant 43-8 performance. The Seahawks returned to the Super Bowl in 2014 but lost a close contest to the New England Patriots 28-24.
Coaching History
| Year | Position | Record | Playoff record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Seattle Seahawks | Head Coach / Executive Vice President of Football Operations | 9-8-0 | 0-0 |
| 2022 Seattle Seahawks | Head Coach / Executive Vice President of Football Operations | 9-8-0 | 0-1 |
| 2021 Seattle Seahawks | Head Coach / Executive Vice President of Football Operations | 7-10-0 | 0-0 |
| 2020 Seattle Seahawks | Head Coach / Executive Vice President of Football Operations | 12-4-0 | 0-1 |
| 2019 Seattle Seahawks | Head Coach / Executive Vice President of Football Operations | 11-5-0 | 1-1 |
| 2018 Seattle Seahawks | Head Coach / Executive Vice President of Football Operations | 10-6-0 | 0-1 |
| 2017 Seattle Seahawks | Head Coach / Executive Vice President of Football Operations | 9-7-0 | 0-0 |
| 2016 Seattle Seahawks | Head Coach / Executive Vice President of Football Operations | 10-5-1 | 1-1 |
| 2015 Seattle Seahawks | Head Coach / Executive Vice President of Football Operations | 10-6-0 | 1-1 |
| 2014 Seattle Seahawks | Head Coach / Executive Vice President of Football Operations | 12-4-0 | 2-1 |
| 2013 Seattle Seahawks | Head Coach / Executive Vice President of Football Operations | 13-3-0 | 3-0 |
| 2012 Seattle Seahawks | Head Coach / Executive Vice President / Executive Vice President of Football Operations | 11-5-0 | 1-1 |
| 2011 Seattle Seahawks | Head Coach / Executive Vice President / Executive Vice President of Football Operations | 7-9-0 | 0-0 |
| 2010 Seattle Seahawks | Head Coach / Executive Vice President / Executive Vice President of Football Operations | 7-9-0 | 1-1 |
| 2009 USC Trojans | Head Coach | 9-4-0 | |
| 2008 USC Trojans | Head Coach | 12-1-0 | |
| 2007 USC Trojans | Head Coach | 11-2-0 | |
| 2006 USC Trojans | Head Coach | 11-2-0 | |
| 2005 USC Trojans | Head Coach | 12-1-0 | |
| 2004 USC Trojans | Head Coach | 13-0-0 | |
| 2003 USC Trojans | Head Coach | 12-1-0 | |
| 2002 USC Trojans | Head Coach | 11-2-0 | |
| 2001 USC Trojans | Head Coach | 6-6-0 | |
| 1999 New England Patriots | Head Coach | 8-8-0 | 0-0 |
| 1998 New England Patriots | Head Coach | 9-7-0 | 0-1 |
| 1997 New England Patriots | Head Coach | 10-6-0 | 1-1 |
| 1996 San Francisco 49ers | Defensive Coordinator | 12-4-0 | 1-1 |
| 1995 San Francisco 49ers | Defensive Coordinator | 11-5-0 | 0-1 |
| 1994 New York Jets | Head Coach | 6-10-0 | 0-0 |
| 1993 New York Jets | Defensive Coordinator | 8-8-0 | 0-0 |
| 1992 New York Jets | Defensive Coordinator | 4-12-0 | 0-0 |
| 1991 New York Jets | Defensive Coordinator | 8-8-0 | 0-1 |
| 1990 New York Jets | Defensive Coordinator | 6-10-0 | 0-0 |
| 1989 Minnesota Vikings | Defensive Backs Coach | 10-6-0 | 0-1 |
| 1988 Minnesota Vikings | Defensive Backs Coach | 11-5-0 | 1-1 |
| 1987 Minnesota Vikings | Defensive Backs Coach | 8-7-0 | 2-1 |
| 1986 Minnesota Vikings | Defensive Backs Coach | 9-7-0 | 0-0 |
| 1985 Minnesota Vikings | Defensive Backs Coach | 7-9-0 | 0-0 |
| 1984 Buffalo Bills | Defensive Backs Coach | 2-14-0 | 0-0 |
| 1983 Pacific Tigers | Assistant Head Coach / Offensive Coordinator / Defensive Coordinator | 3-9-0 | |
| 1982 North Carolina State Wolfpack | Defensive Coordinator / Defensive Backs Coach | 6-5-0 | |
| 1981 North Carolina State Wolfpack | Defensive Coordinator / Defensive Backs Coach | 4-7-0 | |
| 1980 North Carolina State Wolfpack | Defensive Coordinator / Defensive Backs Coach | 6-5-0 | |
| 1979 Ohio State Buckeyes | Defensive Backs Coach / Secondary Coordinator | 11-1-0 | |
| 1978 Iowa State Cyclones | Defensive Backs Coach / Secondary Coordinator | 8-4-0 | |
| 1977 Arkansas Razorbacks | Graduate Assistant | 11-1-0 | |
| 1976 Pacific Tigers | Graduate Assistant | 2-9-0 | |
| 1975 Pacific Tigers | Graduate Assistant | 5-6-1 | |
| 1974 Pacific Tigers | Graduate Assistant | 6-5-0 | |
| 1973 Pacific Tigers | Graduate Assistant | 7-2-1 |
Coach history guide
| Seasons with a championship win | Seasons with a conference championship |
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