Pete Carroll’s departure from the Seattle Seahawks after 14 seasons marks the end of an era in Seattle and prompts reflection on a remarkable coaching career. While his time with the Seahawks is most celebrated, leading them to their only Super Bowl victory, many fans and analysts are now asking: What Teams Has Pete Carroll Coached throughout his extensive career? Let’s delve into the coaching journey of Pete Carroll, exploring each team he has led and the impact he made.
Carroll’s coaching trajectory spans across college and professional football, encompassing roles as a defensive assistant, coordinator, and ultimately, head coach. His philosophy, characterized by an energetic and player-centric approach, has left an indelible mark on every team he has been a part of. To fully appreciate his legacy, it’s essential to examine each chapter in his coaching history, beyond just his celebrated Seahawks tenure.
New York Jets (1994) – His First Head Coaching Opportunity
Pete Carroll’s first foray into NFL head coaching came with the New York Jets in 1994. After serving as the Jets’ defensive coordinator for four seasons (1990-1993), he was promoted to the top job. This was a significant moment for Carroll, marking his initial opportunity to lead an NFL franchise.
Alt text: Headshot of Pete Carroll in a New York Jets jacket, highlighting his first NFL head coaching role.
However, his tenure with the Jets was short-lived. The 1994 season saw the team struggle, ultimately finishing with a 6-10 record. Despite inheriting a team that had shown defensive improvement under his coordination, Carroll couldn’t translate that success into overall wins as head coach. After just one season, he was dismissed by the Jets, a setback that would shape his future coaching endeavors. This experience, while brief and challenging, provided valuable lessons that Carroll would carry forward in his career.
New England Patriots (1997-1999) – Building a Foundation
Following his time with the San Francisco 49ers as a defensive coordinator (1995-1996), Pete Carroll was hired as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 1997. This marked his second chance to lead an NFL team, and this time, he had a longer runway to implement his vision.
Alt text: Pete Carroll instructing players on the sidelines during a New England Patriots game, showcasing his leadership on the team.
Over three seasons with the Patriots, Carroll compiled a 27-21 regular-season record, leading the team to the playoffs twice (1997 and 1998). He inherited a team that was in transition and helped establish a competitive culture. While the Patriots under Carroll were consistently in the playoff hunt, they fell short of Super Bowl contention. Despite achieving a measure of success and laying groundwork for future Patriots dynasties, Carroll was ultimately let go after the 1999 season. This period with New England was crucial in refining his coaching style and demonstrating his ability to build a winning program, even if it didn’t culminate in a championship at that time.
USC Trojans (2001-2009) – Dominance in College Football
After a year away from coaching in 2000, Pete Carroll transitioned back to the college ranks, taking the head coaching job at the University of Southern California (USC) in 2001. This move proved to be transformative, not only for USC football but also for Carroll’s career trajectory.
Alt text: Pete Carroll with the USC Trojans team holding up the trophy, celebrating a college football victory.
At USC, Carroll unleashed a dominant era of college football. During his nine seasons (2001-2009), the Trojans achieved unparalleled success, boasting a record of 97-19, including seven consecutive Pac-10 Conference titles. His USC teams were known for their explosive offense, aggressive defense, and a swagger that permeated college football. Carroll led the Trojans to two national championships (2003 and 2004), although the 2004 title was later vacated due to NCAA sanctions. Despite the later controversies, Carroll’s tenure at USC is widely regarded as one of the most successful runs in modern college football history. He created a powerhouse program, attracting top talent and consistently competing for national championships. This period solidified his reputation as an elite coach and set the stage for his return to the NFL, this time with the Seattle Seahawks.
Seattle Seahawks (2010-2023) – Super Bowl Glory and Legacy
In 2010, Pete Carroll made his return to the NFL, accepting the head coaching position with the Seattle Seahawks. This marked his third and most impactful stint as an NFL head coach. In Seattle, Carroll was not only the head coach but also held the title of executive vice president of football operations, granting him significant control over personnel decisions in collaboration with General Manager John Schneider.
Alt text: Pete Carroll on stage celebrating the Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl XLVIII win, highlighting the peak of his NFL coaching success.
Over 14 seasons, Carroll transformed the Seahawks into a consistent contender. He implemented his energetic coaching style and fostered a unique team culture known for its competitiveness and resilience. The pinnacle of his Seahawks tenure came in Super Bowl XLVIII, where they decisively defeated the Denver Broncos 43-8 to secure the franchise’s first and only Super Bowl championship. Under Carroll, the Seahawks reached the playoffs 10 times, won five NFC West division titles, and consistently ranked among the NFL’s top teams. He became the winningest coach in Seahawks history, amassing a regular-season record of 137-89-1. Even in his final seasons, Carroll kept the Seahawks competitive, demonstrating his enduring ability to lead and motivate. His departure in 2024 concludes a transformative era for the Seahawks and cements his legacy as one of the franchise’s greatest figures.
Pete Carroll’s Coaching Career: A Summary
To directly answer the question, what teams has Pete Carroll coached? here is a concise list:
- New York Jets (Head Coach): 1994
- New England Patriots (Head Coach): 1997-1999
- USC Trojans (Head Coach): 2001-2009
- Seattle Seahawks (Head Coach): 2010-2023
Beyond these head coaching roles, it’s also important to acknowledge his time as an assistant and defensive coordinator with various teams, including:
- Arkansas Razorbacks (Graduate Assistant): 1977
- Pacific Tigers (Defensive Backs Coach): 1980-1982, Defensive Coordinator 1983
- Ohio State Buckeyes (Defensive Backs Coach): 1984
- Iowa State Cyclones (Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach): 1985-1988
- Minnesota Vikings (Defensive Backs Coach): 1989
- New York Jets (Defensive Coordinator): 1990-1993
- San Francisco 49ers (Defensive Coordinator): 1995-1996
This comprehensive overview showcases the breadth and depth of Pete Carroll’s coaching career, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to football and his impact across various levels of the sport. From his early days as an assistant to his Super Bowl triumph with the Seahawks, Carroll’s journey is a testament to his passion, adaptability, and enduring influence on the game. As he transitions into an advisory role with the Seahawks, the football world will be watching to see what the next chapter holds for this legendary coach.
