The San Francisco 49ers are navigating a critical search for their next defensive coordinator, and a surprising name has entered the conversation: Pete Carroll.
That’s right, the 73-year-old former Seattle Seahawks head coach was mentioned as a potential candidate by Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard.
“I’ve heard that Carroll’s name has come up inside 49ers HQ as an interesting idea, at least,” Kawakami reported.
Carroll, who spent 14 successful seasons in Seattle before being forced out last January, is one of the most accomplished defensive minds in NFL history.
His career includes a stint as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator from 1995 to 1996 under then-head coach George Seifert.
During his time with the Seahawks, Carroll helped construct the “Legion of Boom,” a legendary defense that propelled the team to multiple playoff runs, including a victory in Super Bowl XLVIII.
That success firmly established Carroll as an architect of the widely adopted “Seattle Style” defense – a 4-3, Cover 3 scheme that 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has long favored.
“Carroll’s conversations with Las Vegas are strong indicators that Carroll is quite interested in getting back into the NFL in some way,” Kawakami added in his column.
“Also, he and Kyle Shanahan have mutual respect from their days going up against each other and Carroll is one of the original architects of what’s known, because of Carroll, as the “Seattle Style” defense – the 4-3, Cover 3 defensive scheme Shanahan has always chosen for the 49ers.”
The leading candidate for the 49ers’ defensive coordinator role is Robert Saleh, the former New York Jets head coach and one-time 49ers defensive coordinator.
However, Saleh is also a top contender for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ vacant head coaching position. Should he land that role, the 49ers may need to look elsewhere, raising the prospect of Carroll’s return to the Bay Area.
While Carroll would bring an unmatched pedigree, there’s competition for his services.
The Las Vegas Raiders have reportedly identified him as their “top option” for their head coaching vacancy, according to The Athletic.
Carroll has already interviewed with the Raiders, as have Saleh and former Washington head coach Ron Rivera. A decision from the Raiders is expected soon.
One of Carroll’s biggest assets is his ability to inspire players, a trait that could address a perceived shortcoming for the 49ers in recent years.
Under previous defensive coordinators Steve Wilks and Nick Sorensen, the team has struggled to maintain consistency and intensity.
While Carroll’s next move remains uncertain, the 49ers’ interest highlights their determination to make a splash with this hire.
Whether it’s Carroll, Saleh, or another candidate, the decision could significantly impact the team’s defensive identity heading into the 2025 season.
What are your thoughts on Carroll? … Will he wind up in San Francisco or Las Vegas???
