Pete Carroll Coaching Profile
Pete Carroll is a maverick NFL coach who electrifies the sidelines with a revolutionary blend of defensive genius and player-first leadership, transforming teams through an unconventional approach that turns coaching wisdom on its head.
Pete Carroll Coaching Record
| Years Active | Record | Win % | Playoff Record | Playoff Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 266-215-1 | 55.29% | 15-17 | 46.88% |
The coaching record above is across all coaching staff that Pete Carroll was a part of, not just his time as head coach.
Carroll’s record as head coach:
- Regular Season- 170-120-1 (.586)
- Post Season- 11-11 (.500)
Coaching Tree
Parents
- Kay Stephenson
- Bud Grant
- Jerry Burns
- Bruce Coslet
- George Seifert
Children
- Lane Kiffin
- Gus Bradley
- Dan Quinn
- Robert Saleh
- Dave Canales
- Robert Schottheimer
Aaron Glenn, a former player for Carroll, is currently head coach for the New York Jets.
READ MORE: FULL LIST OF NFL HEAD COACHES
Pete Carroll Salary
The Las Vegas Raiders reached a deal with Carroll in early 2025 for a three year deal with an option for a fourth. Typically, head coach salaries can range from $500,000 to $20 million a ayear.
Pete Carroll’s Coaching Style
Carroll’s coaching style seems to prioritize a family-style environment first cultivated in his nine years with USC. Although he had coaching experience at the professional level prior, it was with the Trojans that he honed in on distinctive strategies that worked well for teams under his tutelage.
Pete Carroll doesn’t fit the typical NFL coaching mold. While many coaches demand conformity, Carroll prioritizes a family-style environment and wants players to be themselves. This approach isn’t just about making players comfortable; Carroll believes authentic players perform better.
His team-building approach centers on three core principles:
- Open communication – Carroll creates family-style togetherness through honest dialogue and accessible leadership
- Personal connection – He discusses fatherhood and family openly, showing vulnerability that builds trust beyond football
- Clear expectations – His famous “Seahawks Rules” are straightforward:
- Always protect the team
- No whining, complaining, or excuses
- Be early
What makes Carroll’s style work is how he balances freedom with accountability. Players can express themselves freely but must uphold these team values. This blend of structure and individuality has created both winning teams and lasting relationships with players long after they’ve left his program.
Carroll’s Career Timeline
| Year | Team | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1973-76 | Pacific | Graduate Assistant |
| 1977 | Arkansas | Graduate Assistant |
| 1978 | Iowa State | Secondary Coordinator |
| 1979 | Ohio State | Secondary Coordinator |
| 1980-82 | N.C. State | Defensive Coordinator |
| 1983 | Pacific | Defensive Coordinator |
| 1984 | Buffalo Bills | Defensive Backs Coach |
| 1985-89 | Minnesota Vikings | Defensive Backs Coach |
| 1990-93 | New York Jets | Defensive Coordinator |
| 1994 | New York Jets | Head Coach |
| 1995-96 | San Francisco 49ers | Defensive Coordinator |
| 1997-99 | New England Patriots | Head Coach |
| 2001-09 | USC | Head Coach |
| 2010-23 | Seattle Seahawks | Head Coach |
| 2025- | Las Vegas Raiders | Head Coach |
