After sitting the 2024 cycle out, Seattle’s legendary coach is trying to get back in the game.
Rumors continue to gain legs this week.
A report that I admittedly thought was bogus, specifically that Pete Carroll was interested in the coaching vacancy for the Chicago Bears, has become far more substantial.
Bears plan to interview former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll for their vacant head coach job Thursday, sources tell me and @JFowlerESPN
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) January 8, 2025
The Bears wildly underperformed expectations this season, finishing 5-12 after ending the season with a win to break a 10-game losing streak. Caleb Williams did not look like the savior, and timeout usage (or lack thereof) was so bad they got the head coach fired.
Obvious next choice: Pete Carroll.
With Bill Belichick now in the college circuit, Carroll became the most decorated and experienced former head coach available to teams this offseason. Chicago has a long, proud history of ruining quarterbacks, in contrast to the underrated strength of Carroll’s ability to develop quarterbacks.
The Bears have rarely been what anyone would call an enviable position, but they do have a top-pick quarterback with real receiving threats and another top-10 pick in this upcoming draft. The fifth-worst offense in the NFL this year might be something Carroll believes he can save.
As much of the Seattle beat was quick to point out, Pete Carroll’s contract with Seattle has ended, and so the Seahawks are unfortunately not eligible to receive any draft picks in a trade for their former head coach.
My understanding is that Pete Carroll is no longer under contract with the Seahawks, so this wouldn’t be a situation where he’d have to be traded to a team that hires him, as Sean Payton was two years ago from New Orleans to Denver. https://t.co/ax0wLmgw9g
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) January 8, 2025
The interview is set for Thursday, and this is obviously anything but a done deal. However, as far as accomplishments and knowledge, there isn’t a soul left on the planet the Bears could interview with more. It simply comes down to whether both parties want this, and if the philosophies line up.
After seeing Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner in their second new uniforms following a decade-long run in Seattle, we might be watching Carroll destroy gum wearing orange at Soldier Field.