Pete Carroll is one of the cheeriest coaches to ever stalk an NFL sideline.
He’s unfailingly energetic, his positivity is infectious, and the manner in which he supports his players is both tangible and touching. Think Ted Lasso without the mustache.
Considering their bummer-filled 2024 season, the Chicago Bears’ roster could use massive doses of energy, positivity, and support. Carroll is undoubtedly well aware of the bad vibes that flow through the Bears’ locker room, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that he’s throwing his hat into the ring for Chicago’s vacancy.
Pete Carroll Expresses Interest in Chicago Bears’ Head Coach Vacancy
On Wednesday morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Carroll is interested in the Bears’ head coaching job.
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 Super Bowl… pic.twitter.com/xBRwsY8c7a— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 25, 2024
Do the Bears need or want a 73-year-old to help bring the Caleb Williams Era to fruition? Does it make sense to bring aboard a coach who might not be interested in staying around for more than a couple of seasons? (After all, Carroll’s three kids and six grandchildren might not be on board with this plan.) Is Carroll the logical man to navigate the scary NFC North?
Considering he boasts a career regular-season record of 170-120 (.586) and a Super Bowl ring, Chicago could certainly do worse.
Bears Fans Are Cool With Carroll
Even though Detroit’s offensive coordinator Ben Johnson seems to be first in the hearts and minds of Bears fans, the Carroll concept is getting some love from a frustrated fan base that’s endured the Matt Eberflus, Marc Trestman, and Matt Nagy.
Pete Carroll with the Bears? That would be a game-changer!His experience and leadership would take that team to the next level. Let’s see if it happens! 🙌
— Shashi kumar K R (@shashikumarkr25) December 25, 2024
“Pete Carroll with the Bears? That would be a game-changer!” one fan said. “His experience and leadership would take that team to the next level. Let’s see if it happens!”
This would be a fantastic hire for Chicago
— Anthony Russo (@Anthony_Russo97) December 25, 2024
“This would be a fantastic hire for Chicago,” another fan added.
Coach Carroll still going strong. Just like yesterday he was at USC.
— Brandon Duck (@thebrandonduck) December 25, 2024
“Coach Carroll still going strong. Just like yesterday he was at USC,” another added.
He would be a great HC for the bears!
— Buddy Boy Bets (@Buddyboybets) December 25, 2024
The list of potential Bears coaches is relatively short—Johnson seems to be the frontrunner, with Mike Vrabel, Joe Brady, Kliff Kingsbury, and Aaron Glenn also in the mix—but the affable, effervescent Carroll might just provide the kind uplifting attitude that could turn the franchise around.