Pete Carroll, the veteran football coach celebrated for his charismatic leadership and championship pedigree, is embarking on a new chapter. After his departure from the Seattle Seahawks, many fans are asking: What Is Pete Carroll Doing Now? The answer involves a return to familiar territory, albeit in a different role. Carroll is heading back to the University of Southern California (USC), not to lead the Trojans on the gridiron, but to instruct students in the classroom.
Back to USC as a Teacher
In a recent announcement that has excited the USC community, it was confirmed that Pete Carroll will be teaching a class at the university starting in the spring. This marks a return to USC for Carroll, who famously coached the Trojans to unprecedented success from 2001 to 2009. USC released a statement expressing their enthusiasm: “We are excited to welcome Pete Carroll home to USC in a new capacity in which he can, as a legendary coach and leader, share his knowledge and experience with our students.” The university indicated that details are still being finalized, promising more information to come.
Carroll’s previous tenure at USC was nothing short of remarkable. His teams achieved a 97-19 record, securing two national championships and consistently placing USC at the pinnacle of college football. This era is widely considered the most dominant period for USC football in recent decades, making his return a significant event for the university, even in a non-coaching capacity.
Reflecting on Seahawks Era
Before his USC return, Pete Carroll spent 14 seasons as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, building another legacy of success in the NFL. From 2010 until early 2024, Carroll led the Seahawks to a 137-89 record, including two Super Bowl appearances and the franchise’s first and only Super Bowl victory. His time with the Seahawks solidified his status as one of the few coaches to win both a Super Bowl and a college football national championship, an elite group that speaks to his exceptional coaching abilities across both levels of football.
Despite consistently delivering winning seasons in Seattle, Carroll’s departure from the Seahawks came in January. While initially announced that he would transition to an advisor role for the team, Carroll himself mentioned he hasn’t been heavily involved in advising duties. This opens up the space for his new role at USC and perhaps hints at future endeavors.
Future Coaching Ambitions?
Addressing speculation about his future coaching career, Pete Carroll acknowledged that he is not actively pursuing another coaching position. However, he also stopped short of completely ruling out a return to coaching in the future. This leaves the door slightly ajar for fans who might hope to see him back on the sidelines eventually. For now, though, his focus appears to be on his teaching role at USC and sharing his vast experience with a new generation.
In conclusion, what Pete Carroll is doing now is transitioning from the intensity of NFL coaching to the academic environment of USC. He’s set to impart his knowledge and leadership lessons to students, marking an intriguing next step for a figure who has significantly impacted both college and professional football. While the future may hold further surprises, for the time being, Pete Carroll’s expertise will be found in the USC classroom.