Pete Carroll, one of the most accomplished and celebrated figures in football, has stepped down as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks after 14 seasons, including two Super Bowl appearances and a championship victory. His departure marks the end of an era for the Seahawks and begins a new chapter in Carroll’s remarkable 50-year career in football. As of early 2024, Carroll’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million, reflecting decades of success in both the NFL and college football.
A Storied Career in Football Coaching
Carroll began his coaching journey in 1973 as a graduate assistant at the University of the Pacific. Over the next five decades, he climbed the ranks, leaving an indelible mark at every level of the game. Carroll’s first head coaching role came at the collegiate level, where he led the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans to unprecedented success. During his nine seasons at USC, Carroll amassed an impressive 97–19 record, a win percentage of 83.6%. Under his leadership, the Trojans won seven Pac-10 titles and two national championships, cementing Carroll’s legacy as one of college football’s greatest coaches.
In the NFL, Carroll’s journey was marked by both challenges and triumphs. He served as head coach for the New York Jets for one season and the New England Patriots for three seasons before finding his true home with the Seattle Seahawks in 2010. Over his 14-year tenure with the Seahawks, Carroll achieved a win-loss percentage of 60.6%, highlighted by a dominant Super Bowl XLVIII victory in 2014. He remains one of only four head coaches to win both an NCAA football national championship and a Super Bowl.
Net Worth and Earnings
As of 2024, Pete Carroll’s net worth is estimated at $50 million, a testament to his enduring success and high-profile coaching roles. His salary as the Seahawks’ head coach was $15 million per year, making him the third-highest-paid coach in the NFL. By comparison, Bill Belichick, the league’s highest-paid coach, earned $25 million annually. Carroll’s most recent contract extension, signed in November 2020, was set to run through the 2025 season, underscoring the Seahawks’ confidence in his leadership.
Despite stepping down as head coach, Carroll will remain with the Seahawks in an advisory role. However, there is growing speculation that he might return to coaching if the right opportunity arises. Carroll himself hinted at a less-than-amicable departure, stating, “It’s really hard because they’re not football people,” referring to the decision-makers who influenced his exit. This statement has fueled rumors about his potential return to the NFL or even college football.
Personal Life and Family
Pete Carroll was born on September 15, 1951, in San Francisco, California, making him 72 years old as of 2024. He is married to Glena Goranson, whom he met during his college years at the University of the Pacific. The couple has three children: Brennan, Jaime, and Nate. Brennan Carroll followed in his father’s footsteps and is currently a football coach, while Nate is also involved in the sport. Family has always been an integral part of Carroll’s life, and his wife and children have frequently been seen supporting him on the sidelines.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Carroll’s departure from the Seahawks comes at a pivotal moment in NFL history. On January 11, 2024, just a day after Carroll’s announcement, Bill Belichick also stepped down as head coach of the New England Patriots. The two coaches, both born in the early 1950s, were the oldest in the league and have become synonymous with their respective teams. Carroll’s exit signals a generational shift in the NFL, as younger coaches continue to rise through the ranks.
While Carroll’s immediate future remains uncertain, his legacy is secure. His ability to adapt, motivate, and innovate has set him apart as one of the most respected figures in football. Carroll’s tenure with the Seahawks not only brought a Super Bowl title to Seattle but also fostered a culture of resilience and competitiveness that will endure long after his departure.
Speculation on a Return to Coaching
Despite his advisory role with the Seahawks, many believe Carroll’s coaching career may not be over. NFL pundit Tom Pelissero recently stated on “The Rich Eisen Show” that Carroll could return to the sidelines if the right opportunity arises. “If the right job is there, in a place that he wants to be, with a team he thinks has an opportunity to win right now, I would not be shocked if we see Pete Carroll on an NFL sideline again,” Pelissero said.
Some speculate that Carroll might be a candidate for the Atlanta Falcons’ head coaching job, while others believe he could return to college football, possibly as head coach of the Washington Huskies following Kalen DeBoer’s departure. Carroll’s passion for the game and his track record of success make him a highly sought-after figure in football circles.