You’d think a 74-year-old with a Super Bowl ring, a college national title, and a bank account that probably looks like a phone number would be halfway across a golf course by now. But that’s just not Pete Carroll. Honestly, the guy has more energy than a caffeinated toddler, and if you've been wondering what Pete Carroll is doing now, the answer is a lot more chaotic and interesting than just "retirement."
He’s currently in a bit of a weird limbo. After a legendary 14-year run in Seattle, he took a massive swing with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025. It didn't go well. Like, 3-14 record kind of didn't go well. On January 5, 2026, the Raiders officially pulled the plug, firing Carroll after just one season. Now, we’re looking at a coach who is technically a free agent, an adjunct professor, and a podcast host all at once.
The Raiders Experiment and the 2026 Fallout
Nobody saw the Raiders move coming, but it happened. It was supposed to be this grand final act where Pete teamed up with Tom Brady (who’s now a minority owner in Vegas) to fix a struggling franchise. Instead, it was a total nightmare. The offense couldn't move the ball, they went through quarterbacks like water, and the defense—Pete’s specialty—just couldn't hold up.
By the time the Raiders finished their 3-14 campaign earlier this month, the writing was on the wall. Mark Davis isn't exactly known for his patience. Even though Pete told reporters at his final post-game press conference that he absolutely wants to keep coaching in 2026, the Raiders decided they'd rather have the number one overall pick and a fresh start.
Here is the thing: Pete isn't "retired" in his own mind. When asked about stepping away, he basically laughed it off. He's 74, soon to be 75, making him the oldest head coach in NFL history, but he’s still got that "Win Forever" mindset. Whether another team is willing to hand the keys to a septuagenarian after that Vegas disaster is the big question hanging over the league right now.
Back to Class: Professor Carroll at USC
While the NFL world is buzzing about where he might land (or if he’s finally cooked), Pete has a much steadier gig over at USC. It’s kinda wild to think about, but the same guy who coached the "Legion of Boom" is now grading papers.
He’s co-teaching a course at the Marshall School of Business called "The Game Is Life" (BUAD 498). He isn't just a guest speaker who pops in once a semester either. He’s a legitimate adjunct professor. He teamed up with Varun Soni, the Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life, and David Belasco to build this class.
The whole point? It’s for graduating seniors. They talk about:
- Building a personal "game plan" for life after college.
- How to handle high-pressure environments without losing your mind.
- Mindful leadership and staying competitive without being a jerk.
- Basically, how to apply "Win Forever" to a desk job or a startup.
Even when he was coaching the Raiders, he didn't quit the teaching job. He’d be game-planning for the Chiefs on Thursday and talking to 50 college seniors about their life goals on Tuesday. It keeps him connected to the younger generation, which has always been his secret sauce.
The Podcast and the Philosophy
If you haven't checked out his podcast, Amplify Voices: Conversations from the Heart, it’s a total 180 from a typical sports show. He co-hosts it with Audrey Cavenecia. They don't talk about cover-2 defense or why the Seahawks should have ran the ball in Super Bowl XLIX. Instead, they talk about human potential, empathy, and "caring leadership."
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Pete has always been a bit of a "philosopher coach." He reads a lot of psychology—he’s obsessed with guys like Abraham Maslow and Timothy Gallwey. Right now, he’s using his platform to push this idea that you can be incredibly successful by actually being a kind, supportive leader. In an NFL world that’s often about "tough love" and screaming, Pete’s still out there talking about "leading with love."
What’s Actually Next for Pete?
So, what is Pete Carroll doing now that the Raiders job is gone? He’s at a crossroads. He’s still technically a Senior Advisor for the Seahawks (a role he took in 2024), but that seems more ceremonial at this point, especially with Mike Macdonald doing so well in Seattle.
There are three real paths he’s looking at for the rest of 2026:
1. The "One Last Ride" Search
He wants to coach. He’s said it. If a team with a veteran roster and a "win now" window opens up, Pete will take the call. He doesn't want to rebuild; he wants to compete. But after the Vegas flop, he might find the phone stays quiet.
2. The Broadcasting Booth
Networks would kill for Pete Carroll. He’s charismatic, he knows every player in the league, and he doesn't sound like a robot. There’s been talk that ESPN or Fox might try to lure him into a color commentary role for the 2026 season. It’s less stress, high pay, and he still gets to be at the stadium every Sunday.
3. Full-Time "Guru" Status
He could lean entirely into USC and his "Performance Science" work. He’s already built a massive brand around his "Win Forever" philosophy. He could spend his days consulting for Fortune 500 companies and his nights at the USC Marshall School.
Honestly, knowing Pete, he’ll probably try to do all three at the same time. He doesn't have an "off" switch. While most people his age are looking at Florida real estate, Pete is probably watching film of the CFP National Championship trying to figure out which rookie quarterback can run his system.
If you're following his journey, keep an eye on the coaching carousel over the next few weeks. If he doesn't land a job by the scouting combine, expect to see him leaning heavily into his USC teaching role and potentially popping up on your TV as an analyst.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Leaders:
- Stay Curious: Pete is 74 and still teaching college classes to stay "young" and relevant. Whether you're in sports or business, find a way to mentor the next generation.
- Diversify Your Brand: Even when his main job (coaching) hit a snag, Carroll had his podcast, his teaching, and his advisory roles to fall back on.
- Don't Let Age Dictate Energy: The "oldest coach" label doesn't phase him because his identity isn't tied to a number, but to a philosophy of constant competition.