Why the Bears should hire Pete Carroll as head coach

Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay competed against Pete Carroll's Seattle Seahawks twice a year for seven seasons. Each time the two met, McVay expected a brawl. 

So McVay has an intimate knowledge of the type of ultra-competitive, connected teams that Carroll built over more than 50 years as a college and NFL coach. 

"Football would be better with Pete Carroll in it," McVay told FOX Sports. "He's a guy that I've looked up to … the values and principles that he stands for that we've tried to mimic and emulate. You're not going to get anything but respect from me towards him."

Carroll and the Seahawks parted ways after 14 seasons at the end of a 2023 campaign in which he finished 9-8, just missing the playoffs. Carroll, who turns 74 in September, has been teaching a class on leadership at USC, which he led to two national championships during his nine seasons there, since his departure from the NFL. 

According to reports, Carroll wants back into coaching and has shown interest in the vacant Chicago Bears head coaching job. The Bears are reportedly interested in meeting with him.

The Bears should be interested in one of the best culture-builders in professional football. Chicago had a chance to bring in someone of similar stature a year ago but passed on the possibility of hiring Jim Harbaugh. 

Instead, Harbaugh became the coach of the Los Angeles Chargers — and has them in the playoffs in his first season. Carroll could have a similar impact on the Bears. Yes, he is 12 years older than Harbaugh, but energy has never been an issue for the always positive Carroll. 

The Bears should not again pass on the opportunity to bring in one of the best coaches to ever walk the sidelines. They should hire Carroll.

After burning