Pete Carroll might not return as Seahawks head coach?
Dec 21, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll reacts against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at SoFi Stadium. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Seattle Seahawks are preparing for their future without head coach Pete Carroll — whenever that may be.
Carroll’s name was conspicuously mentioned in a Sunday report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
The two insiders stated that the Seahawks plan “to evaluate” their future after the season. The report added that the team is currently “evaluating and updating contingency plans” should Carroll decide to retire.
Carroll is reportedly expected to have his annual meeting with Seahawks chair Jody Allen and general manager John Schneider in the coming days. The Seahawks coach is under contract next season with an option for 2025.
While Rapoport and Pelissero implied that the process appears to be business as usual for the Seahawks, Carroll’s inclusion in the report is at least notable.
Carroll just concluded his 14th season with the Seahawks. He came to Seattle in 2010 after a decade-long run calling the shots at USC. The 72-year-old head coach has an excellent 137-89-1 record in his nearly decade-and-a-half tenure in Seattle.
The Seahawks organization clearly values Carroll immensely given that they chose him over former franchise quarterback Russell Wilson when the latter demanded Carroll be fired.
Carroll’s eventual exit from Seattle does not appear to be imminent. But it’s not surprising that the team’s braintrust is bracing for life without Carroll, the oldest active head coach in the NFL.
