Pete Carroll's Surprising Shift

In a surprising twist, former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, who had previously expressed his intent to embrace a teaching role at USC, is reportedly interested in returning to the NFL. Carroll stated back in August that he was 'not desiring' to be a coach again, expressing excitement for a planned teaching position at the University of Southern California. However, recent reports indicate that he has reconsidered and is keen on the vacant head coach position with the Chicago Bears.

Interest in Chicago Bears

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, while Carroll has not yet engaged in discussions with the Bears or other teams, he is certainly open to pursuing the Chicago role and would 'welcome the chance' to interview. The Bears, who are currently searching for a new head coach after dismissing Matt Eberflus last month, are struggling with a dismal record of 4-11 and an interim coach, Thomas Brown, who has yet to secure a win.

Carroll's NFL Legacy

As the Bears face off against the Seahawks this Thursday, Carroll's previous success with the Seahawks looms large. He led the team to a Super Bowl victory and is tied for the 16th-most wins in NFL history, boasting an overall record of 170-120-1. If he does return to coaching next season, he would set a record as the oldest head coach in NFL history at age 74.

Other Coaching Candidates

The Bears are rumored to be considering various candidates, including Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who has been instrumental in reshaping the Lions into a formidable offense. Some believe Johnson could be an ideal mentor for the Bears' potential first-overall draft pick, Caleb Williams, as well as to maximize the talents of receiver Rome Odunze.

Carroll's Teaching Role at USC

Despite his ESPN report, Carroll has kept a low profile since departing from the Seahawks. He was last seen attending University of Washington practices, where his son, Brennan, serves as the offensive coordinator. Seattle has maintained a formal connection with Carroll, keeping him onboard as an adviser after his coaching stint ended.

Conclusion

Carroll's teaching position at USC is noteworthy: he will be co-teaching a new course entitled 'The Game Is Life,' where he aims to impart his winning philosophy to graduating seniors. This shift underscores Carroll’s commitment to education and mentorship, albeit leaving fans and analysts anxious about his potential as a returning NFL coach.

As the regular season draws to a close, the coaching landscape may see further changes, with Carroll's interest in the Bears planting a seed of intrigue for his future. Will the Bears bite on the veteran coach, or will they pursue their next young, innovative option? The NFL coaching carousel is spinning fast—stay tuned!