Pete Carroll didn't coach in the NFL this season, but that doesn't mean he's done with the game. In fact, the veteran coach appears to be a legitimate candidate for multiple head coaching vacancies this offseason.
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Carroll, 73, recently interviewed for the Chicago Bears and Las Vegas Raiders head coaching jobs, and sources tell me that the Dallas Cowboys could also express interest in the longtime coach. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has reported that Carroll, who has had great success in both college and the NFL, could be on the radar for these teams as they look to fill their respective head coaching spots.
According to SportsBetting.ag, Carroll is seen as a viable option for two of the five teams with open head coach positions. He is currently listed as the third favorite to take over the Raiders, with 2-1 odds, tied with Deion Sanders, and just behind Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Carroll is also the third favorite for the Bears job, with 4-1 odds, trailing only Johnson and Mike McCarthy.
It's clear that the NFL sees Carroll as someone who could still lead a team to success. Despite his age, his résumé speaks for itself. Carroll has won championships at both the college and NFL levels, having found success with the New York Jets, New England Patriots, and Seattle Seahawks in the NFL.
His tenure at USC remains one of the most successful in college football history, adding to his legacy as one of the most accomplished coaches of his generation.
But how realistic is Carroll's chance at landing one of these jobs? Well, if the odds are any indication, he's definitely in the mix. With Sanders, Johnson, and McCarthy all leading the way as favorites for various jobs, Carroll could find himself in the right place at the right time if other candidates land in positions where teams are looking for an experienced leader.
The next few weeks could be critical in determining whether Carroll, a proven winner, returns to the sideline or continues his role as an NFL ambassador. Either way, his name is very much in the mix.
