Former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll
Pete Carroll, the most successful coach in Seattle Seahawks history, didn’t simply “step down” from his role — he was fired. While the official story painted his departure as a transition to an advisory role, a closer look reveals a different reality. Carroll’s name is nowhere to be found in the Seahawks staff directory, and he has remained radio silent since his last press conference with the franchise, signaling the end of an era in Seattle.
It’s never easy to break up with a legend, but that’s exactly what the Seahawks did with Carroll. General manager John Schneider initially claimed that Carroll would stay connected to the team in an advisory capacity, but all signs point to that role being non-existent. Carroll wasn’t at Seahawks training camp for the dawn of the Mike Macdonald era, which would have been expected if he were still involved.
The Seahawks seemingly attempted to soften the blow of the breakup by offering Carroll a vague “advisory” role. However, it now looks like this was more about optics than any real future with the team.
Pete Carroll Breaks His Silence: ‘I’m Not Really Desiring [Coaching] at This Point’
After months of speculation, Carroll finally broke his silence during an interview with Seattle’s KJR radio. Speaking to hosts Dave “Softy” Mahler and former Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin, Carroll revealed what he’s been up to since leaving the sideline. His recent activities included a trip to visit troops stationed in Kuwait with former USC head coach Tim Floyd.
When asked about a potential return to coaching, Carroll left the door open but made it clear that, for now, he’s content. “I could coach tomorrow,” Carroll said confidently. “I’m physically in the best shape I’ve been in in a long time. I could [coach], but I’m not really desiring it at this point… I’ve got other things that I want to do that I’m excited about.”
Time Away from Football: A New Chapter for Carroll
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Carroll isn’t just sitting idly by in retirement. He’s taking on new ventures, including teaching a class at USC and spending more time with his family. During a podcast interview with “Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth,” Carroll spoke about how his time away from the game has allowed him to focus on new challenges and experiences.
“It’s still competing,” Carroll said, reflecting on his post-coaching life. “You’re either competing or you’re not. That’s the mentality that has stayed true. It’s the giving part of it that’s become even more true to my heart.”
Whether he’s in the classroom or at home with his grandkids, Carroll’s competitive spirit hasn’t wavered. He shared a heartwarming story about spending mornings playing Monopoly on the kitchen floor with his grandchildren. “I can’t get enough of my grandkids,” he said. “I’m up at 5:40 this morning, and we’re playing Star Wars Monopoly on the kitchen floor with my little guys. I couldn’t wait for them to wake me up.”
The Seahawks’ Handling of Carroll’s Exit: A Quiet Goodbye
The way the Seahawks handled Carroll’s departure feels bittersweet. On one hand, it’s clear that the team needed a fresh start after years of middling results. On the other hand, Carroll’s contributions to the franchise — including a Super Bowl title and multiple playoff appearances — deserved a more transparent and respectful conclusion. The “advisory” role seemed like a way to ease the public perception of the firing, but with Carroll nowhere to be found within the organization, it feels more like a soft exit.
Carroll has turned the page and seems content in his new chapter. Whether or not he returns to the NFL remains to be seen, but for now, the coach who once dominated the sidelines in Seattle is competing in a new arena — one that’s less about game plans and more about family.
What are your thoughts on how the Seahawks handled Pete Carroll’s firing? Let’s discuss in the comments below.
