Falcons eyeing USC's Carroll (1 Viewer)

[SuperJohn96]

You'd think after all the money Blank threw at Vick and Petrino that he'd shy away from a big name big money guy and hire some up and coming OC.

BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT (TICKER) -- Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank again may be dipping into the college ranks for his next coach.

According to a report on ESPN.com on Tuesday, the Falcons are pursuing Southern California coach Pete Carroll for their vacant opening.

Citing multiple sources, ESPN.com reported that Atlanta is attempting to gauge Carroll's interest in the job and hopes to meet with him by the weekend if the USC coach agrees to an interview.

ADVERTISEMENT

The 56-year-old Carroll is 76-14 in seven seasons at USC that includes a pair of national championships.

Carroll also has been a coach in the NFL with both the New York Jets and New England Patriots, which would appeal to Blank after the failed experiment with Bobby Petrino this season.

Petrino, in his first year with Atlanta, resigned after the 13th game this season to take the coaching position at Arkansas.

It was another blow to a franchise already reeling from star quarterback Michael Vick's arrest on federal dog fighting charges.

Carroll's name has been linked to several NFL jobs over the past few years, but he has resisted all overtures.

According to the report, Carroll likely would require full control over the football operations to consider the move, something a source said the Falcons might be willing to do.

Blank already was spurned by Bill Parcells, who agreed to become the team's head of football operations late last month, only to back out of the deal and accept a similar position with the Miami Dolphins the very same day.

Ironically, Carroll's second NFL coaching job was as Parcells' replacement with the Patriots.

After going 6-10 in 1994, his only season with the Jets, Carroll enjoyed more success in three seasons with New England, compiling a 28-23 mark with one division title and a pair of postseason berths from 1997-99.

link

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Wow

If I was Pete I wouldnt leave that cushy job for Atlanta. I'd wait until something better came along before going back to the NFL

 

[TLEF316]

I dont see any reason for Caroll to ever go back to the NFL. He lives in LA, makes tons of $$, gets all the best players and has a pretty easy annual ride to the BCS. USC is basically an NFL atmosphere anyway, so i see no reason to leave and deal with the headaches of a rebuilding job.

 

[Bri]

Before and after his stint as coach of NE, Pete Carroll has always been considerred one to get an NFL HC job. I have no clue why this obsession has lasted so ridiculously long but it has and really needs to stop. How long ago was he Jets DC? 15 years? This is ridiculous

 

[NEUPJ]

Good lord, Falcons fans should pray that this doesn't happen. His first NFL tenure ended up being a complete disaster. He destroyed a Super Bowl team in 3 years, what's he going to do for the Falcons? The last thing the Falcons need right now is a "player's coach" who's a better cheerleader than team leader.

 

[PatrickT]

It's just another in a long list. Falcons FO is being pretty tight lipped about this whole thing, so I wouldn't take this too seriously. I expect a GM announcement by the end of this week, and we may not see a coaching hire til post-superbowl.

I can only assume that a new GM would bring in guys for second interviews before the final decision, that's when you'll know who they're serious about. I think Caldwell is still the leading candidate, but I'm waiting to hear how things go with Schwartz as well.

 

[gump]

I dont see any reason for Caroll to ever go back to the NFL.

NCAA Probation would be a reason.

 

[Colin Dowling]

I dont see any reason for Caroll to ever go back to the NFL.

NCAA Probation would be a reason.

That still exists?

 

[TLEF316]

I dont see any reason for Caroll to ever go back to the NFL.

NCAA Probation would be a reason.

Yeah, i actually thought about that right after i posted. Thats the only way I'd leave if i was him.

 

[John Mamula]

I know for a fact that if Carroll can get full control (coaching + GM) he is gone. I think he is a bad fit for the NFL though.

 

[pats3in4]

atsfanchuckling:

 

[Righetti]

I think I've seen this movie before and if I remember correctly it does not end well

 

[sho nuff]

I know for a fact that if Carroll can get full control (coaching + GM) he is gone. I think he is a bad fit for the NFL though.

I think Washington would be the only one he would go to.If he thinks he can work with Snyder.While Blank has some deep pockets...Snyder money is a bit deeper.

 

[gump]

IN before the first Saban-to-USC post.

 

[PatrickT]

IN before the first Saban-to-USC post.

You mean Petrino, right?

 

[gump]

IN before the first Saban-to-USC post.

You mean Petrino, right?

That too.