“I shouldn’t have left – Pete Carroll sheds on his departure from Seahawks
“I Shouldn’t Have Left” – Pete Carroll Reflects on His Departure from the Seahawks
In a candid and emotional interview months after stepping down as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, Pete Carroll shared his deepest reflections about his departure—a decision he now questions with a mix of regret and resolve.
Carroll, who led the Seahawks for 14 seasons and delivered the franchise’s only Super Bowl title in 2014, shocked the football world when he stepped aside in early 2025. While the move was framed as a mutual decision between Carroll and the front office, the former coach now admits the reality was more complex.
“I shouldn’t have left,” Carroll confessed. “I felt I had more to give—not just to the team but to the city. It’s been hard watching from the sidelines knowing there was still work to be done.”
During his tenure, Carroll became synonymous with the Seahawks’ identity—his high-energy philosophy, “Always Compete” mantra, and the creation of the “Legion of Boom” redefined the team’s culture. Under his leadership, Seattle made the playoffs nine times, reached two Super Bowls, and established themselves as perennial contenders.
But by the 2023 and 2024 seasons, the Seahawks were in transition. A younger roster, a shifting front office, and mixed results on the field led to increased speculation about Carroll’s future. Despite internal conversations about a front office role or a more advisory position, Carroll says he initially intended to continue coaching.
“I didn’t feel done,” he said. “But there were a lot of conversations—some tough ones—about direction, succession, and timing. In the end, I felt a sense of duty to step aside, to not stand in the way. But in my heart, I knew I still had the fire.”
Watching the team from afar in 2025 has only intensified those feelings. The Seahawks, now under a new regime, have shown flashes of potential but remain inconsistent—something Carroll says is part of the growing pains he expected to work through himself.
“I see those guys on the field—DK, Jordyn [Brooks], Geno [Smith]—and I just wish I was out there with them, in the huddle, on the sidelines. That’s what stings the most.”
Despite his regret, Carroll emphasizes that he doesn’t harbor resentment. Instead, he channels his emotions into gratitude—for the fans, the players, and the opportunity to shape a team and community for over a decade.
“I’ll always be proud of what we built. Those moments—like Richard [Sherman] tipping that ball in the NFC Championship, or Marshawn [Lynch] running through defenders—they stay with you. That was family.”
Looking ahead, Carroll hasn’t ruled out returning to football in some capacity, but for now, he’s focused on mentoring young coaches and staying involved in player development. Yet, the wistful tone in his voice leaves the door open to something more.
“I’m not done with the game. And if the right opportunity comes along… who knows?”
For now, Seahawks fans and NFL followers alike are left reflecting with Carroll on what could have been—and what might still be.
