Pete Carroll is one of the most accomplished football coaches of the modern era, a rare figure who has reached the highest peaks of both college football and the NFL. After a brief and ultimately unsuccessful stint with the Las Vegas Raiders came to a close on Black Monday, Carroll once again finds himself jobless, but far from forgotten.
At 74 years old, many might assume retirement is the logical next step. But Pete Carroll has never been one to follow conventional timelines, and with his energy, competitiveness, and résumé, the question naturally arises: could Carroll consider a return to college football if the NFL doesn’t come calling again?
Pete Carroll’s College Coaching Options Following Raiders Departure
If Carroll were to consider college football again, it would almost certainly need to be the perfect situation. He would not return simply to rebuild from scratch or manage chaos. With most of the college coaching cycle already complete, a move likely would not happen until 2026, assuming the opportunity even arises.
Given his age, such a return likely would be short-term, perhaps a two- to four-year stabilizing run, similar to how Kyle Whittingham hypothetically could steady Michigan during a transitional phase. Carroll could focus on culture, development, and championship standards while delegating long-term roster mechanics to a strong staff.
A few programs stand out as natural fits for Carroll’s next chapter. USC would offer a poetic reunion. If Lincoln Riley were to depart or be dismissed, Carroll could return to lead an already elite offense that graded top four nationally (90.4 PFSN Offense Impact Score), stepping into a situation built for immediate success.
Notre Dame presents a similar opportunity. If Marcus Freeman were to leave for the NFL, the Irish could turn to a proven, steady leader to preserve continuity. With Notre Dame grading top 10 on both offense and defense, Carroll would inherit a roster capable of competing right away. In either scenario, he could bypass a full rebuild and instead emphasize leadership, culture, and high-level execution.
Carroll’s legacy is secure, but competitors like him rarely stop simply because the résumé is complete. A return to college football is not guaranteed, and it would come with real challenges. Still, if the NFL shuts its doors and the right college job opens, it should not be ruled out.
The game has changed, but great coaches have consistently found ways to adapt and evolve. The question is not whether Carroll can coach college football again; it is whether the opportunity would be worthy of him.
Carroll’s Legendary Resume
Carroll’s NFL career alone would be enough to secure his place in the Hall of Fame. Across stops with the New York Jets, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, and most recently the Raiders, Carroll compiled a career record of 173-134-1 and captured a Super Bowl title during his iconic run in Seattle. His defensive philosophy, player-first leadership style, and ability to build culture defined an era of Seahawks football.
However, before he became an NFL legend, Carroll was a dominant force at the collegiate level.
Carroll’s nine-year tenure at USC remains one of the greatest runs in college football history. From 2001 to 2009, he led the Trojans to a staggering 97-19 record, winning two national championships, seven Pac-10 titles, and earning three Pac-10 Coach of the Year awards. USC was not only winning — it was redefining West Coast dominance.
That résumé alone would make Carroll an attractive option for virtually any college program seeking immediate credibility and stability.
College football in 2026, however, would be nothing like the sport Carroll left behind. The introduction of NIL deals, the transfer portal, and year-round roster management has fundamentally changed the job. Today’s head coach must function as CEO, recruiter, brand manager, and strategist all at once.
If you don’t adapt, you sink, no matter how decorated your past may be. A recent example illustrates the risk. Bill Belichick, widely regarded as the greatest NFL coach of all time, faced significant challenges during his first season in college football. Despite enormous hype, his North Carolina Tar Heels finished 4-8, missing a bowl game entirely. UNC posted a 73.3 grade on offense and 76.8 on defense, per PFSN Impact Metrics, both in the bottom half of the FBS. The struggles led to staff changes, including the firing of offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens and the hiring of Bobby Petrino, whose Arkansas offense surged to a top-five national PFSN grade.
Belichick’s experience underscores the reality Carroll would face: elite NFL success no longer guarantees immediate college dominance.
