Report: Pete Carroll interested in Bears' opening

After a season off, former NFL coach Pete Carroll wants to return to work and is interested in the Chicago Bears' head coach opening, ESPN reported Wednesday.

Carroll, 73, led the Seahawks to back-to-back Super Bowls following the 2013 and 2014 seasons, winning the first one. In all, he spent 14 seasons in Seattle before being fired in January following two consecutive 9-8 seasons.

The Bears dismissed head coach Matt Eberflus, hired in 2022, following a 4-8 start and a 14-32 overall record.

The New York Jets and New Orleans Saints also fired their coaches this season.

But it's the Bears' job and the opportunity to work with 2024's top overall draft pick, quarterback Caleb Williams, that apparently has captured the attention of Carroll, who compiled a 170-120-1 record with the New York Jets (1994), New England Patriots (1997-99) and Seahawks.

ESPN reported Carroll has yet to talk to the Bears or any team about a return to coaching.

Carroll also coached Southern California (2001-09) to nine bowl games and to national championships in 2003 and 2004. He joins Jim Harbaugh, Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer as the only head coaches to lead teams to the NCAA title game and the Super Bowl.

--Field Level Media