Carroll Theory
Whenever Pete Carroll's departure was discussed last week, the primary reasons listed were his desire to return to the NFL, his relationship with Mike Garrett and the looming NCAA sanctions.
But what about the idea that Carroll thought his program maxed out and would never recapture its heyday with this year's 9-4 record only the first sign of decline?
If Carroll believed that, it would increase his desire to return to the NFL, he would know his relationship with Garrett would deterioriate even more and NCAA sanctions would only reinforce his fears. I would not discount this theory based on how shrewd a thinker Carroll was over the nine years I knew him.
The Donkey is rolling on the floor laughing. The Donkey says that Scott knew the coach, not the man. The Donkey says that considering how often Scott was wrong about Pete Carroll's intents or actions, this is a very amusing post.
The Donkey asks Scott why attempt revisionist history, we all knew Carroll wasn't your pal, you where only a beat reporter to him.
Pete is gone, who cares why he left. Onward and Upward with Coach Lane.
How can you "max out" when you have top 3 recruiting classes every year? But, along those lines, PC has said that coaches tend to get stale in the same position after 7 or 8 years. The program needs a breath of fresh air every now and then to revitalize and rejuvenate. Maybe PC sensed this. However, I still think that Mike Garrett's incompetence drove PC out.
I believe that there is merit to the observation that this season signified the end of an unprecedented run, and that achieving another such run would be a monumental challenge. Given that Carroll's market value as HC was at its highest level, he had an extraordinary offer on the table, and this season afforded a natural breakpoint to the USC chapter of his life, it's not hard to see he why he might have chosen to leave now.
That said, it's ludicrous to suggested that he saw a 9-4 record as a "sign" of impending decline. That implies the program has a life of its own, beyond which the coaches can control...and coaches don't think that way. Obviously, we'll find out about the severity of the sanctions in the near future. His relationship with Garrett might have been a major factor, and perhaps he grew weary of the relentless assault from the LA media, which is understandable given all that he had accomplished. But Wolf's statement implies that Carroll felt the hill for USC to "recapture its heyday" was too steep to climb, so he "shrewdly" opted for the lesser challenge of trying to make the Seahawks a winner. That's a hard sell to me.
I think he was just tired of being the Prince of LA:
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/7178c18f5d/pete-carroll-s-new-job
Insightful comments, all. Additionally, the man is 58 years old in a profession that demands 16-hour work days. He didn't have a lot left in the tank. This undoubtedly will be his last gig. And he was given almost all of what he cherished-- nearly full command of hiring and firing decisions.
I will cherish his SC-years memory and wish him great success in the NFL. But methinks he will not be real successful because the NFL has too much competition to get to the top, and especially to stay on top.
Let's see here, two national championships, three Heismans, two time coach of the year, PAC10 champ seven times, annual thumping of Notre Dame and UCLA, yeah...they won one and won't forget it...Like Cowan won't ever forget Rey Maualuga. The hype, the glitter, the every mooch and beat writer ragging on his ass daily. The man gave USC a continuing legacy and tradition of winning...so what more could he do? I know! the itch was there to be scratched and he got the dream offer he always hoped for...and he was bored stiff.
Pete thanks, Lane, show the weasel and the Faded Blue Crue who really owns L.A
Be Real........exactly. I felt all along that he would leave when he was at the age when this will be his last gig. 58 years old, 5 year contract, $35 million. He'll be 63 when this contract is up. If he waited a couple more years he might not have been able to cash out like he did.
Be Real........exactly. I felt all along that he would leave when he was at the age when this will be his last gig. 58 years old, 5 year contract, $35 million. He'll be 63 when this contract is up. If he waited a couple more years he might not have been able to cash out like he did.
Don Key said ".....we all knew Carroll wasn't your pal, you were only a beat reporter to him."
And a really poor one at that.
Love the Don Key cause the Don Key got secondhand Wolf's numero. I doubt PC ever gave a blip about your reporting and in true loser fashion, you made it personal. No wonder newspapers are going out of business.
BTW Secondhand, I heard from a reliable source that MediaNews is bankrupt and from an even more reliable source that the only paper losing big bucks is yours.