The vultures are starting to circle. Even as the 2024 season is not yet over, rumors are picking up with names that have interest in the Chicago Bears head coaching job. Thomas Brown has shown that he is unequal to the task, as last night’s clunker against Seattle showed. He isn’t ready yet. This team needs somebody who is. Probably the biggest surprise came out on Christmas Day when Adam Schefter revealed former Super Bowl champion Pete Carroll hopes to return to coaching next year, and has his eyes on the Bears job.
It’s surprising because most felt the possible future Hall of Famer had retired after stepping down in Seattle. He’s 73 years old. However, the pull of the sideline is strong. Bill Belichick already returned by taking over at North Carolina. Carroll is hoping to stay in the NFL. It isn’t shocking he is interested in the Bears job. The more interesting part is that the organization is interested in talking to him. Albert Breer of the MMQB confirmed that on the Thursday Night Football broadcast.
This man is one of the most successful coaches of the past two decades. He won two national championships at USC and then got the Seahawks their first Lombardi trophy in 2013. He’s a proven winner who also has a knack for developing quarterbacks like Carson Palmer, Russell Wilson, and Geno Smith. Few know more about coaching than him. It can’t hurt to pick his brain and hear him out. That could go a long way in helping the Bears learn what to look for in other candidates they meet with going into next month.
Would they consider actually hiring him? That feels unlikely. Pete Carroll turns 74 next year. Coaches at that age tend to lack the energy and focus required to win championships. That is why it happens so rarely. The Bears want somebody they can hopefully pair with Caleb Williams in the long term. Carroll can’t promise that. It would take a truly impressive pitch on his part to sway them, maybe including some succession plan. Then again, it’s best to expect the unexpected with this team.
