ESPN: Pete Carroll has expressed interest in a job with the Chicago Bears and wants to return to coaching

With Bill Belichick One of the NFL’s all-time greats, now on the sidelines of college, is no longer in the running for jobs at this level. But another could be with Pete Carroll supposedly interested in returning.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Carroll has expressed interest in the head coaching position with the Chicago Bears and “would like to return to the sidelines next season,” according to league sources.

Pete Carroll is one of four head coaches to have led programs to both a Super Bowl title and a college football national championship.

His return would mark a seismic shift in the NFL ranks.

Carroll last coached in the NFL in 2023, with the Seattle Seahawks. He had a remarkably impressive stint with the organization from 2010 to 2023, even winning the Super Bowl XLVIII title.

As coach of the Seahawks, Pete Carroll posted an overall record of 137-89-1 (.606). He had a 10-9 record in the playoffs and finished first in the NFC West five times. His tenure ended after a 7-10 season, followed by two 9-8 seasons, with Seattle missing the playoffs in two of his final three years.

Pete Carroll and the Seahawks then mutually agreed that he would retire in early 2024.

Prior to his time in the NFL, Carroll coached in the college ranks at USC. He spent 2001-09 with the Trojans, winning multiple national championships, although his tenure was not without controversy.

USC won titles in 2003 and 2004 in one of the most remarkable runs in program history. Carroll’s tenure ended in disappointment, although at one point he won eleven or more games in seven consecutive seasons.

The NCAA imposed a two-year bowl ban on USC, the elimination of 30 football scholarships and the forfeiture of wins from the 2004 and 2005 seasons due to violations. This caused the program to falter for years to come.

Still, Pete Carroll’s record is pretty undeniable. He can definitely coach, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see some NFL organizations show mutual interest.