Pete Carroll Reportedly Interested in Bears Coaching Job After Mike Macdonald’s Firing
In a surprising twist in the NFL coaching landscape, Pete Carroll, the long-time head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, is reportedly expressing interest in taking over as the head coach of the Chicago Bears. This news comes on the heels of the abrupt firing of Bears head coach Mike Macdonald, who was let go after a disappointing season left Chicago struggling at the bottom of the NFC standings.
Sources close to the situation suggest that Carroll, who has led the Seahawks since 2010, has been intrigued by the potential challenges and opportunities in Chicago. The Bears, despite their rich history and passionate fanbase, have been in a prolonged rebuilding phase. The franchise has failed to make significant strides in recent seasons, and Macdonald’s tenure saw minimal improvement, leading to his dismissal after a 3-12 start in the 2024 season.
Carroll, 73, is no stranger to coaching rebuilding teams. He led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory in 2013 and has consistently turned around struggling teams throughout his career. While his tenure in Seattle has been successful, the Seahawks have faced recent struggles, and the team’s future is uncertain with aging stars like quarterback Geno Smith and key injuries on both sides of the ball.
The prospect of Carroll moving to Chicago would be a bold one, given his age and the Bears’ need for a long-term solution at the head coach position. However, Carroll’s wealth of experience and leadership could provide the Bears with the stability they desperately need to emerge from a lengthy period of mediocrity.
Though no official talks have taken place between Carroll and the Bears, reports suggest that Chicago’s front office is keen on bringing in an experienced coach who can restore credibility to the franchise and help develop quarterback Justin Fields into a franchise star.