Former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll is interested in returning to the NFL sidelines next season, according to an Adam Schefter report. The organization essentially forced Carroll to transition into an advisory role this past offseason. The 73-year-old spent 14 seasons as the head coach in Seattle, winning a Super Bowl in 2014.
Three coaching vacancies have officially become available around the league, and several more will open up on Black Monday following the Week 18 regular-season finale. Organizations searching for a proven leader should consider hiring Carroll.
We've identified three potential team fits for Carroll this offseason.
Chicago Bears
The initial Christmas Day report indicated that Carroll has expressed interest in the Chicago Bears' head coaching job. The Bears dismissed Matt Eberflus after going 14-32 in two-plus seasons. Chicago entered the campaign with legitimate postseason aspirations, but find themselves at 4-11 and last in the NFC North.
Carroll's interest in the Bears' vacancy is easy to understand. The team drafted rookie quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Though the team has generally struggled, Williams has often looked like the franchise QB Chicago hoped he'd be. An open job rarely possesses a built-in answer at quarterback. That makes the Bears' job extremely desirable. Ownership should also possess an interest in an experienced leader like Carroll. No available coach can match his resume.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to relieve head coach Doug Pederson of his duties after the season. The Jaguars believed they would compete within the AFC South this campaign. Instead, they're 3-12 and sharing the basement with the Tennessee Titans in the division.
Owner Shad Khan should place Carroll on his offseason shortlist. The Jaguars job is intriguing because Trevor Lawrence is locked in as the franchise quarterback. Lawrence has endured a difficult campaign but still possesses high-end starting QB potential when at his best. He's signed for the foreseeable future via a $275 million contract. Carroll would be a great fit for a Jacksonville organization that requires an offseason makeover.
New York Jets
The New York Jets' gig isn't exactly desirable. It became available after Robert Saleh was the first in-season firing after Week 5. General manager Joe Douglas has also since been fired. The team is also expected to sever ties with aging franchise quarterback Aaron Rodgers this coming offseason.
Widespread reports have since emerged surrounding owner Woody Johnson and the toxic environment he fosters in East Rutherford by being overly involved in personnel decisions despite his inexperience. A new quarterback is needed, but above all, the franchise requires a strongly-voiced leader who could handle Johnson's theatrics. If the owner is capable of realizing what he needs, Carroll would be a terrific appointment for his second stint in New York.
