LOS ANGELES – Don’t count out Pete Carroll in making a return to USC football just yet, according to cdoach Lincoln Riley.
Carroll made it known Monday on Seattle radio station 93.3 KJR-FM that he intends to return to campus in the spring, this time as a professor. The legendary US coach stepped away from football in the spring when he retired after 14 seasons as the Seattle Seahawks coach.
With Carroll’s soon-to-be proximity to the USC football facilities, head coach Lincoln Riley opened the door for a possible return.
“I'd love to have him. He's great. He's a coach who has been great to me. We've had a chance to catch up pretty often and check in with each other,” Riley said.
The @SportingTrib 's @JudOcanas asked Lincoln Riley if Pete Carroll could be involved in the football program when he returns to campus this year as a teacher.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) August 23, 2024
"I'd love to have him. He's great. Coach has been great to me. We've had a chance to catch up pretty often." pic.twitter.com/aNAuqYJmnM
In Monday’s interview with KJR-FM, Carroll said he is focused on teaching but didn’t rule out the possibility of being back on the gridiron.
“We’ll see what happens,” Carroll said.
Riley didn’t confirm whether Carroll would have an official or unofficial role.
Carroll’s tenure with USC was one of the most successful eras in Trojan history, with back-to-back national championship teams and an undefeated season in 2004.
After an impressive 97-12 record and seven Pac-12 titles over nine seasons, Carroll left for the NFL to be coach of the Seahawks. Carroll's decision in June 2010 came months before the NCAA hit USC with significant sanctions for an investigation into an extra-benefits case against Reggie Bush.
When Carroll departed for Seattle, the relationship from one USC coach to another remained strong.
“He's been a great resource and great person to be able to pick his brain, and he's been very good to me,” Riley said. “[Carroll] has made it very clear that we've got a good, open line of communication.”
Riley appreciated the two coaches' open relationship, noting that he never hesitates to pick up the phone or reach out to Carroll when he needs anything.
“I'm excited he's going to be here more, and it would be crazy not to take advantage of having him around,” Riley said.
Riley and USC are focused on the Trojans' season opener against No. 13 LSU next week. Yet, Carroll's return to campus in the spring brings the prospect that he will be involved with USC football in some capacity.
