This past offseason, the NFL watched two of its longest-tenured head coaches step down from their positions.
First, the Patriots parted ways with longtime boss Bill Belichick. The veteran coach was with the organization for 24 seasons, bringing six Super Bowls to New England and earning a number of records and accolades in the process. He surprisingly went unsigned this offseason, but it is expected that Belichick will patrol an NFL sideline once more.
The other was Pete Carroll. A staple with the Seahawks since 2010, the aging head coach and the team agreed to evolve his role with the organization after the 2023 season, stepping down as the head coach.
Mike Macdonald was hired as Carroll's replacement. The Seahawks went from having the oldest coach in the league to the youngest, as the former Ravens coordinator is just 37 years old.
But what is Carroll doing now? The Sporting News explains his role with the Seahawks, as well as USC.
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Where is Pete Carroll now?
In January of this year, the Seahawks announced a change to Carroll's role within the organization. The longtime head coach would be switching his job to an advisor, allowing someone else to take the reins of the coaching staff.
Seattle chair Jody Allen gave a brief insight on the decision to "evolve" Carroll's role as Seahawks head coach into an advisor.
"After thorough meetings and careful consideration for the best interest of the franchise, we have amicably agreed with Pete Carroll that his role will evolve from head coach to remain with the organization as an advisor," Allen said in a statement.
"Pete is the winningest coach in Seahawks history, brought the city its first Super Bowl title, and created a tremendous impact over the past 14 years on the field and in the community. His expertise in leadership and building a championship culture will continue as an integral part of our organization going forward.
"Pete will always be a beloved member of the Seahawks family."
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Carroll held an emotional press conference later in the day, fighting through tears as he addressed his time as the Seahawks head coach.
Pete Carroll's opening statement. pic.twitter.com/aSYidlAMK7
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) January 10, 2024
"Since our last game, I had a couple chances to talk and share my feelings about the team and the organization and representing the 12 and my intention with staying with the 'Hawks,'" Carroll said. "I want to make sure that that's clear, as things have shifted so quickly in most people's perspective.
"It's been an honor and a thrill to be a part of this program. I've loved every minute of it and you've watched me love it, in particular. It's exciting that there's such a future here and you can see it. We know it's happening and it's bright and the club has got great places to go, great chances. It won't ever happen automatically, there's a lot work to be done, but the future is bright."
Pete Carroll breaks down in his loving thank you to his wife, Glena, and their children, as his exits as now-former #Seahawks coach @thenewstribune pic.twitter.com/glI47k69XP
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) January 10, 2024
Carroll had been tied to retirement rumors as the 2023 regular season came to a close, however, the coach had previously stated that he expected to come back in 2024 for a 15th season. That did not happen, as the Seahawks opted to go in a different direction in 2024, bringing in Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to replace Carroll in the head coaching role.
In addition to his advisor role with the Seahawks, Carroll returned to USC, where he was the head coach of the Trojans from 2001 to 2009. It was reported before this fall that Carroll would be teaching at the university in the spring semester of this academic year.
The university didn’t offer any further details and did not specify Carroll’s role on campus, but he is expected to run a course in spring 2025.
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Pete Carroll age
Born on Sept. 15, 1951, Carroll began the 2024 NFL season at 72 years old but has since turned 73.
He had been the oldest coach in the league for quite some time, joining a short list of members to coach into their 70s. However, with two veterans moving on in Carroll and Belichick, it opened the door for Chiefs boss Andy Reid to take the new title of oldest head coach in the NFL.
