The Seattle Seahawks recently announced a significant shift: Pete Carroll’s transition from head coach to an advisory role. This marked the end of an era, prompting reflection on his impactful tenure. My own Pete Carroll story takes me back to a memorable press conference in Munich, Germany, in November 2022, an experience that profoundly shaped my understanding of coaching and leadership.
It was November 10th, 2022, Munich. The Seahawks were in town to play a game, and as a member of the media, I had the privilege of attending their practices and pre-game press conferences. Eager and prepared, I arrived at FC Bayern’s Säbener Strasse training facility well before the scheduled time for the Thursday Pete Carroll Press Conference. The anticipation was palpable. With time to spare before the media access began, I explored the quiet residential neighborhood surrounding the facility, eventually finding a small café.
Inside, armed with a notebook brimming with questions, I meticulously reviewed them. Some were standard journalistic inquiries, the kind you’d expect at any team presser. But one question was different, born from deep study and personal coaching aspirations. My interest in the tactical nuances of football, particularly Seattle’s defensive structures in the 2020 and 2021 seasons, had grown beyond journalistic curiosity. As a coach myself, preparing for my first season as defensive coordinator for the London Olympians in the UK, I was captivated by the Seahawks’ “stick” defensive fronts. Observing how effectively this strategy had served Seattle, and even USC under Pete Carroll back in 2006, particularly against offenses like Sean McVay’s Rams, had sparked intense research and analysis over the preceding two years.
Returning to Säbener Strasse, I joined the familiar faces of the Seattle beat reporters and watched the Seahawks’ characteristically high-energy practice session. Soon after, we were ushered into the media room for the Pete Carroll press conference. I strategically positioned myself directly in front of the podium. Hesitation flickered – was my niche, somewhat nerdy question appropriate for this setting? However, Carroll’s opening statement erased any doubt.
“We used to go to the Rose Bowl year after year,” he began, reminiscing about past glories.
That was my cue. As the press conference settled into its rhythm, I seized the opportunity and asked my question.
“You mentioned the Rose Bowl, am I right that your version of the bear front, stick defense, stemmed from that Vince Young game, and then, leading on from that…”
Carroll’s reaction was immediate and illuminating. “I can’t believe I come all the way to Munich and you bring up my favorite game,” he chuckled. “I did bring it up, my bad my bad. That’s a really good job of referencing that because nobody else thought to do it, yeah that’s good. I don’t have any idea what your question was?”
Undeterred, I pressed on, clarifying my query. “Well, am I right that that kinda inspired your bear front, “stick” defense at USC? And leading on from that point, how similar are the offenses today and your reasoning for the bear fronts today?”
“Urm, that’s what I’m talking about. What’s your name?” Carroll inquired, his interest piqued.
“Matty Brown,” I replied.
“That’s a heck of a job, lot of creds right there,” Carroll continued, acknowledging the depth of the question. “That’s a heck of a question you asked. No!”
Despite Carroll’s humorous and complimentary response, I initially felt like I hadn’t landed the question effectively, perhaps coming across as an out-of-place newcomer with a peculiar accent and overly specific inquiry. Dejectedly, I began to leave, but then a tap on my shoulder stopped me. It was Dave Pearson, Seahawks’ media personnel, with a message: “Coach wants to speak with you.”
Turning back, I was immediately struck by the sheer energy radiating from Pete Carroll. You hear about it, witness it on television, but experiencing it firsthand is something else entirely. He greeted me with a firm, warm handshake, his bright blue eyes locking onto mine. Despite his iconic spectacles, his gaze was intense, yet his genuine smile instantly put me at ease. Having studied Carroll’s career and coaching philosophy for years, I was surprised to feel like he was the one more intrigued and energized by our interaction.
Even after a full Seahawks practice, following a trans-Atlantic flight and time zone adjustment, Carroll’s dynamism was remarkable. He showered me with encouraging phrases like “Good for you, mans!”, and then generously dedicated what must have been at least ten minutes to thoroughly answering my complex question for a foreign journalist.
He delved into the origins of the “Stick” defense, tracing it back to 1970s Clemson, and explained why they favored it at USC. It wasn’t a lecture; it was an engaging conversation, where Carroll actively listened to my perspective, making me feel like a peer in the realm of football strategy. In that moment of shared enthusiasm, Carroll even confided an “off-the-record” detail about their 2022 season scheme.
The entire exchange felt surreal and accelerated. The richness of the information Carroll shared seemed to stretch time, even though the encounter itself was brief. I walked away feeling invigorated and deeply appreciative.
Pete Carroll at a press conference, speaking to a crowd of reporters.
Carroll spoke recently, in his final Pete Carroll press conference as Seahawks Head Coach, emphasizing that his Seattle culture revolved around “trying to help people find their best.” My brief but impactful interaction in Munich perfectly encapsulated this philosophy.
Regardless of the actual duration of our conversation, or the niche tactical detail we discussed, the impression Pete Carroll left was indelible. I gained a profound understanding of what makes him a truly special coach and individual.
In my subsequent first season as defensive coordinator for the London Olympians, we achieved the conference’s lowest points-per-game allowed. Yet, beyond any statistical achievements, it’s Carroll’s emphasis on authenticity, self-awareness, and unwavering competitiveness that have become enduring guiding principles in my own coaching journey.
Thank you, Pete Carroll, for serving as an inspiration, both as a coach and as a person. I eagerly anticipate his next endeavors, confident that he has much more to contribute to the world of football and beyond.
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