NFL Trade Rumors: Former Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll Eyeing Chicago Bears Job

A legendary coach is reportedly considering a return to the NFL. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, former Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl champion Pete Carroll "has expressed interest" in the Chicago Bears' head coaching vacancy.

Former Seahawks Super-Bowl winning HC Pete Carroll has expressed interest in the Bears HC job and would like to return to the sideline next season, league sources tell ESPN.

Carroll is one of four head coaches to have led teams to both a national championship and the Super… pic.twitter.com/qs6g4v1lTA
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 25, 2024

Carroll parted ways with the Seahawks following the 2023 regular season and has been away from the game ever since. In his 14 seasons with the team, he amassed an impressive 137-89-1 record, highlighted by consecutive Super Bowl appearances, including a dominant 43-8 win in Super Bowl XLVIII over the Denver Broncos.

Prior to his tenure with the Seahawks, Carroll also sparked a golden era for the University of Southern California. Over nine years with the Trojans, Carroll won a pair of national championships and compiled a 97-19 record. The NCAA would later vacate 14 of USC's wins (including the final two from their BCS championship-winning 2004 season) under Carroll due to sanctions stemming from "a lack of institutional control."

Carroll's success at USC may significantly influence his interest in the Bears. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams played at USC from 2022 to 2023 and accomplished the rare feat of winning the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore in 2022 before eventually becoming the 2024 NFL Draft's first overall pick.

Positioning Williams for success has to be the Bears' highest priority going forward. His rookie season has left much to be desired: He has absorbed an NFL-leading 60 sacks, and the Bears have stumbled to a 4-11 record while ranking 31st in total yards, 27th in passing yards, and 30th in net yards per passing attempt through 15 games.

Carroll has succeeded with players of Williams's calibre before. With his undersized frame and his propensity to extend plays, Williams recalls former Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson's play has declined precipitously since splitting with Carroll in 2022, but the duo unquestionably built a winning formula in Seattle, and it's possible that could be replicated in Chicago.