Pete Carroll, one of the most iconic figures in college football history, is making his way back to the University of Southern California (USC), where he coached the Trojans to a dominant run from 2001 to 2009. Carroll, who has had a remarkable career in both college and the NFL, revealed during an interview on KJR-FM this past Tuesday that he plans to teach a class at USC in the spring of 2024. The university confirmed the news the following day, sharing that they are excited to welcome Carroll back in a new capacity where he can share his unparalleled knowledge and experience with the next generation of football minds.
While details of Carroll’s specific role at USC are still being finalized, his return represents a significant moment for the Trojans, who have struggled to recapture their former glory since he left the program in 2009. Carroll’s time at USC was nothing short of legendary, and his return to the university could help reignite the spark for a program that hasn’t quite reached the heights it once did. But Carroll’s involvement with USC also raises questions about his future in coaching and what his legacy in college football will ultimately look like.
Pete Carroll’s Legendary Run at USC
Pete Carroll’s tenure at USC from 2001 to 2009 was a golden era for the program. When Carroll took over as head coach, the Trojans were in need of a major rebuild, having struggled in the years prior. But under his leadership, USC transformed into a juggernaut, dominating college football with a unique blend of talent, discipline, and innovative coaching.
During his nine years at USC, Carroll’s teams posted an impressive 97-19 record. They won two national championships in 2003 and 2004, and during that span, they appeared in 10 consecutive bowl games, with seven of those being major bowl games. His success at USC helped establish the Trojans as one of the premier football programs in the country and turned the university into a recruiting powerhouse, attracting top-tier talent year after year.
One of the hallmarks of Carroll’s success at USC was his ability to develop not just skilled players, but also leaders on and off the field. His teams were known for their exceptional defense, explosive offenses, and disciplined play. Some of the most memorable players in college football history played under Carroll, including Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart, and Troy Polamalu. These players went on to become stars in the NFL, cementing Carroll’s legacy as a coach who not only won at the collegiate level but also developed pro-ready athletes.
Carroll’s leadership and coaching philosophy turned USC into a national powerhouse, and during his time, the Trojans were widely regarded as the most talented and well-coached team in college football. USC’s run during this period remains one of the most successful stretches for a program in the history of college football.
Carroll’s Departure to the NFL and His Seattle Seahawks Success
In late 2009, Pete Carroll made the decision to leave USC and take over as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL. It was a move that shocked many, given his success at USC and the way he had built the program into a national power. However, Carroll’s decision to jump to the NFL proved to be just as successful, as he quickly made an impact with the Seahawks.
During his 14 seasons in Seattle, Carroll compiled a 137-89 record and led the Seahawks to two Super Bowl appearances, winning one championship. Under his guidance, the Seahawks became a perennial contender in the NFC, known for their hard-nosed, physical style of play, which mirrored Carroll’s coaching philosophy. The crowning achievement of his time in Seattle came in 2014, when the Seahawks defeated the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII to claim their first and only NFL championship.
Despite his success in Seattle, Carroll’s departure from USC has loomed large over the Trojans program. Since his exit, USC has failed to recapture the level of success it experienced under his leadership. The Trojans have cycled through six different head coaches and have struggled to maintain consistent success, despite often having rosters loaded with talent. In the 15 years since Carroll’s departure, USC has won just one conference title and made only three major bowl game appearances.
USC’s Struggles Since Carroll’s Departure
Since Pete Carroll left USC in 2009, the Trojans have faced a period of relative mediocrity. The school has been plagued by inconsistent coaching, internal turmoil, and an inability to maintain the level of dominance that Carroll had established. Despite regularly attracting top recruits, the Trojans have failed to live up to their potential, often underperforming on the field.
In the years following Carroll’s exit, USC employed six different head coaches, each bringing their own style and philosophy, but none were able to replicate the level of success that Carroll had achieved. Under Lane Kiffin, Steve Sarkisian, and Clay Helton, the Trojans experienced moments of promise, but the program never seemed to regain the momentum it had during Carroll’s reign.
One of the most significant blows to the program came in 2021 when USC parted ways with Clay Helton, a decision that reflected the growing frustration over the team’s underwhelming performance. The Trojans turned to Lincoln Riley, one of the most successful young coaches in college football, to revive the program. Riley’s arrival brought renewed hope for USC fans, and while the team showed promise, the Trojans’ 8-5 finish in 2023—despite having Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Caleb Williams—was a disappointing result.
The Role of Pete Carroll at USC Today
Carroll’s return to USC, though still in its early stages, marks a potential turning point for the Trojans. While the exact details of his role have yet to be finalized, it is clear that his experience and leadership could be invaluable for USC, both on and off the field. Carroll’s new role could serve as a bridge between the Trojans’ past glory and their future aspirations, helping to guide the next generation of players and coaches.
In his upcoming class, Carroll will have the opportunity to teach USC students, passing on the lessons he has learned over his storied career. Given his reputation as a dynamic and passionate speaker, his class is likely to attract students eager to learn from one of the best minds in the game. Carroll’s unique perspective as both a college and NFL coach offers invaluable insights into what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of football.
In addition to teaching, Carroll could have a more hands-on role with the program, mentoring current coaches, advising the athletic department, and helping to shape USC’s football future. His return could help reinvigorate the Trojans’ recruiting efforts and restore some of the program’s lost prestige.
Lincoln Riley’s Struggles and the Need for Carroll’s Guidance
USC’s current head coach, Lincoln Riley, was brought in with high hopes of returning the Trojans to national prominence. While Riley is undoubtedly one of the most talented coaches in college football, the 2023 season was a disappointment, with the Trojans finishing with an 8-5 record despite having one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country in Caleb Williams.
Riley’s system, which had worked wonders at Oklahoma, has yet to translate into consistent success at USC. Many fans and analysts expected more from the Trojans in 2023, and with another lackluster season under their belt, the pressure is mounting on Riley to deliver results.
Carroll’s return to USC could serve as a valuable source of support for Riley. While Carroll may not be interested in returning to a full-time coaching role, his extensive knowledge of USC’s program and his understanding of the pressures that come with being the head coach at a school with such high expectations could be incredibly beneficial for Riley. Carroll’s presence could help provide guidance and perspective, allowing Riley to navigate the complexities of coaching at a high-profile program like USC.
The Future of Pete Carroll’s Coaching Career
While Pete Carroll has expressed interest in returning to coaching, he made it clear during his KJR interview that he isn’t actively seeking a new coaching opportunity. Carroll’s role at USC may serve as a bridge between his two illustrious coaching careers, and it’s possible that his time at USC could reignite his passion for coaching at the collegiate level. However, for now, Carroll seems content with his advisory role with the Seahawks, despite his limited involvement, and his role at USC may be more focused on mentorship and teaching than on coaching a team again.
Conclusion
Pete Carroll’s return to USC is a significant moment in college football, not only for the Trojans but for the entire sport. His influence on USC’s football program is legendary, and his return—whether as a teacher, mentor, or advisor—could help guide the Trojans back to national relevance. While USC has struggled to recapture the magic of the Carroll years, his return offers a glimmer of hope for the future. As for Carroll, his legacy in both college and professional football is already secure, but his involvement with USC may yet add another chapter to a career that continues to inspire and influence the world of football.