As the coaching hunt goes on, the Cowboys have expressed interest in former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.

The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, known for their vast fan base, extensive media coverage, and high expectations. However, despite years of success, including five Super Bowl titles, the Cowboys have struggled to recapture their former glory, particularly in recent decades. Year after year, they seem to fall short in the playoffs, failing to advance deep enough to contend for a championship. In light of this, the Cowboys have been on the hunt for a new head coach who can finally lead them back to the promised land. This search has included a wide range of candidates, but one name that has gained considerable attention recently is Pete Carroll, the former head coach of the Seattle Seahawks.

Reports indicate that the Cowboys have expressed interest in Carroll, who served as the Seahawks’ head coach for over a decade, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances and a Super Bowl victory. Carroll is a seasoned leader, known for his energy, charisma, and defensive expertise. While the idea of bringing him on board may raise some eyebrows given his age (he will be 74 at the start of the 2025 season), there’s no denying his track record of success and his ability to build teams that contend year in and year out.

In this article, we will explore why the Cowboys have expressed interest in Pete Carroll, analyze his potential fit as the team’s next head coach, and evaluate whether Carroll could be the man to lead the Cowboys to a long-awaited Super Bowl title.

Pete Carroll’s Impressive Coaching Resume

Before diving into whether Carroll is the right fit for the Cowboys, it’s important to understand why he remains such a sought-after figure in the NFL coaching ranks. His resume speaks for itself: Carroll has been an NFL head coach for multiple decades, and he has proven time and time again that he knows how to build and lead successful teams.

1. A Super Bowl Champion

Carroll’s crowning achievement in the NFL came in 2013, when he led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory over the Denver Broncos. The Seahawks’ 43-8 win remains one of the most dominant performances in Super Bowl history. Carroll’s defense, known as the Legion of Boom, was the cornerstone of the team’s success. With players like Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, and Kam Chancellor at the helm, the Seahawks’ defense was a suffocating force that overwhelmed opponents and helped propel the team to multiple playoff appearances during Carroll’s tenure.

Carroll’s leadership, combined with his ability to craft a strong defensive identity, earned him widespread recognition across the league. The team’s success was also due in part to Carroll’s development of Russell Wilson, a quarterback he drafted in the third round in 2012. Wilson developed into one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks under Carroll’s watch, helping lead the team to multiple NFC Championship Games and another Super Bowl appearance in 2015, where the Seahawks narrowly lost to the New England Patriots.

2. A Legacy of Success in Seattle

Beyond the Super Bowl victory, Carroll’s legacy with the Seahawks includes consistently putting together competitive teams. Throughout his tenure, the Seahawks made the playoffs in nine of his 12 seasons as head coach, including four straight appearances from 2012 to 2015. Carroll also won two NFC Championships and helped establish Seattle as one of the league’s most formidable franchises of the 2010s.

His ability to maintain success over a long period is notable, especially in the NFL, where teams often experience rapid turnover and changes in personnel. Carroll’s knack for developing players, both on offense and defense, has been key to Seattle’s sustained success. His leadership style has earned him a reputation as one of the NFL’s most respected coaches, and his experience dealing with pressure-filled situations in both regular seasons and playoffs cannot be overstated.

3. Developing Defensive Excellence

One of the most notable aspects of Carroll’s career is his ability to develop elite defenses. The Legion of Boom was a model for defensive dominance during the 2010s, and Carroll’s defensive expertise was a critical factor in Seattle’s rise to prominence. He has a track record of building aggressive, ball-hawking defenses that can control games and force turnovers. His ability to develop talent on this side of the ball is evident in the success of his defensive draft picks, many of whom went on to become stars in the league.

While the Cowboys have been known for their offensive prowess, they’ve often been lacking in the defensive department in recent years. A strong defensive mind like Carroll’s could help take the Cowboys’ defense to the next level, especially with young talent such as Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs already in place. Adding a defensive strategist like Carroll could help the Cowboys become a more balanced team, capable of controlling both sides of the ball.

Why the Cowboys are Interested in Pete Carroll

With Carroll’s impressive resume and long history of success, it’s clear why the Cowboys have expressed interest in him as a potential head coach. Here are several key reasons why the Cowboys are considering Carroll as a candidate:

1. Desire for Immediate Success

The Cowboys have been stuck in a cycle of playoff mediocrity for nearly two decades. Despite having one of the most talented rosters in the league, they have not been able to advance to the Super Bowl since their last championship in 1995. This lack of postseason success has created immense pressure on owner Jerry Jones to make a change.

Jones is known for his desire to win now, and he is often willing to make bold moves in an effort to get the team back to championship contention. Given Carroll’s ability to take teams to the playoffs year in and year out, Jones might view him as a candidate who can immediately improve the team and help guide the Cowboys back to the top of the NFC.

2. A Stable, Experienced Leader

With the Cowboys’ franchise in need of a steady hand to guide them through turbulent waters, Carroll’s experience could provide the stability the team needs. As a coach with decades of experience, Carroll is accustomed to handling high expectations and managing both the day-to-day grind of the regular season and the pressure of the playoffs. His ability to build strong relationships with players, coaches, and front-office personnel could be a significant asset in a locker room that’s been under scrutiny in recent years.

Carroll’s leadership would bring a sense of confidence to the Cowboys, especially with a veteran quarterback like Dak Prescott and young playmakers like Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb. His ability to create an environment that fosters growth, teamwork, and consistency could be the antidote to the volatility the team has faced in recent seasons.

3. Need for Defensive Improvement

The Cowboys have long been known for their high-powered offense, but in recent years, their defense has been inconsistent. While players like Micah Parsons have provided the defense with elite talent, the Cowboys have struggled at times to put together a complete defensive unit. This has been especially evident in big games, where opposing teams have often been able to exploit weak spots in the Cowboys’ defense.

Given Carroll’s success in building dominant defenses in Seattle, his presence could significantly elevate the Cowboys’ defensive play. Under his guidance, the Cowboys could develop a more disciplined, physical defense capable of matching their explosive offense. With Dan Quinn already in the fold as the defensive coordinator, Carroll’s defensive acumen could complement Quinn’s approach and create a more formidable unit overall.

4. Championship Pedigree

The Cowboys are not looking for another rebuilding project—they are looking for a coach who can get them to the Super Bowl. Carroll’s pedigree as a Super Bowl-winning coach is a major selling point. He’s been there, and he knows what it takes to win at the highest level. If the Cowboys are serious about contending for a championship in the near future, Carroll’s experience could be exactly what they need to cross the finish line.

Challenges and Considerations

While the prospect of hiring Pete Carroll is intriguing, there are several considerations that could make this decision more complicated. First, Carroll is 74 years old, which raises questions about how much longer he intends to coach at the highest level. While age is not always a barrier to success (look no further than Bill Belichick), it’s something that the Cowboys would need to take into account when making their decision.

Additionally, Carroll’s style is rooted in a defensive philosophy, and it remains to be seen how his approach would mesh with the Cowboys’ offensive identity, which has been a strength under Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. If the Cowboys decide to go with Carroll, they would need to ensure that their offensive system stays aligned with the team’s strengths.