NFL Rumors: Pete Carroll Spoke with Cowboys’ Jerry Jones amid Schottenheimer Buzz

The Dallas Cowboys have found themselves at a crossroads in recent seasons, with high expectations and big-name players, but consistently failing to reach the pinnacle of NFL success: the Super Bowl. After another early playoff exit in 2024, the Cowboys’ front office is once again considering a change at the top. The search for the team’s next head coach has intensified in recent weeks, and while rumors swirl about possible replacements, one particular name has sparked interest: Pete Carroll, the highly respected former head coach of the Seattle Seahawks.

Carroll, who enjoyed a decade-long tenure with Seattle and led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2013, has been a fixture in the NFL coaching landscape for years. Despite his age—he will be 74 years old at the start of the 2025 season—Carroll’s proven track record has caught the eye of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who is always searching for that elusive combination of experience, success, and leadership. Although much of the spotlight recently has been on Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, reports have surfaced that Carroll and Jones recently spoke about the potential for Carroll to step in as the Cowboys’ next head coach.

This article delves into the rumors surrounding Pete Carroll’s potential move to Dallas, analyzing the key elements of his possible hiring, why Jerry Jones might be pursuing the veteran coach, and what it would mean for the Cowboys’ future.

The Search for Stability: Jerry Jones’ Urgent Coaching Search

Jerry Jones, who has owned the Dallas Cowboys since 1989, has long been associated with the franchise’s decision-making processes. He’s been both praised and criticized for his hands-on approach, which has resulted in a high turnover rate in terms of head coaches. Since the legendary Tom Landry was fired in 1989, the Cowboys have seen several coaching changes. Most notably, Bill Parcells (2003-2006), Jason Garrett (2007-2019), and Mike McCarthy (2020-2024) have all tried to guide the team back to Super Bowl contention, but none have succeeded in reaching the championship stage.

For a team with such a storied history and immense financial power, the lack of recent success in the playoffs has been a major source of frustration. After another early exit in the postseason in 2024, the Cowboys were once again left wondering if McCarthy was the right coach for the job. Though McCarthy has led the Cowboys to multiple playoff appearances during his tenure, they have failed to break through in the postseason. With questions surrounding the team’s ability to compete for a Super Bowl, Jones began exploring the possibility of a change at the top, signaling that McCarthy’s job was no longer secure.

The rumors surrounding the Cowboys’ coaching search reached a fever pitch in early 2025, when reports indicated that Brian Schottenheimer, the team’s offensive coordinator, was among the leading candidates to become the next head coach. Schottenheimer, who has experience coaching in both college and the NFL, has earned a reputation for his offensive scheming and play-calling abilities. His connection to Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ offense made him a natural candidate to take over. However, as the coaching search continued, whispers of a more experienced coach began to surface, and Pete Carroll’s name surfaced as a potential dark-horse candidate.

Pete Carroll’s Long and Storied NFL Career

Before diving into why Carroll might be the right fit for the Cowboys, it’s important to review the Seahawks head coach’s impressive career. Carroll has been a mainstay in the NFL for decades, leading the Seahawks to remarkable heights during his tenure with the team. His background spans both college and professional football, and his impact on the game is undeniable.

1. Super Bowl Success:

Carroll’s crowning achievement came in 2013 when he guided the Seahawks to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory over the Denver Broncos. The 43-8 rout remains one of the most dominant performances in Super Bowl history. Carroll’s emphasis on building a tough, physical defense, combined with the electric play of Russell Wilson on offense, created a team that was capable of overwhelming opponents on both sides of the ball. Carroll’s defensive ingenuity, particularly with his Legion of Boom secondary, became a model for success in the modern NFL. He followed up the championship victory with a second Super Bowl appearance in 2015, further cementing his place as one of the league’s top coaches.

2. Consistent Playoff Contender:

Beyond the Super Bowl victory, Carroll helped the Seahawks maintain a high level of success throughout his tenure. Under his leadership, Seattle made the playoffs nine times in 12 seasons, earning four NFC Championship Game appearances. Carroll was known for getting the best out of his players, especially on the defensive side of the ball, and built a culture of excellence that extended beyond just the players on the field. His ability to motivate, adapt, and develop talent was one of the key reasons for Seattle’s sustained success during his tenure.

3. Leadership and Player Development:

Carroll’s coaching style is often described as energetic and player-focused. He has a unique ability to connect with his players, fostering a positive team culture that emphasizes leadership, accountability, and mutual respect. Whether it was helping Russell Wilson develop into one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks or getting the most out of late-round draft picks like Richard Sherman, Carroll has built a legacy of developing players and helping them reach their full potential.

The Case for Pete Carroll in Dallas

Given the Cowboys’ recent struggles and the pressures that come with being America’s Team, hiring a coach like Pete Carroll could provide several benefits that Jerry Jones and the front office find appealing. Here are the reasons why Carroll could be a good fit for the Cowboys:

1. Instant Leadership and Stability

One of the most pressing issues facing the Cowboys is leadership. While McCarthy had success in Green Bay, he failed to achieve the same level of success in Dallas. The pressure to win a Super Bowl is immense, and many argue that the Cowboys need a more experienced, steady hand to guide the ship. Carroll’s long history of success, his ability to win big games, and his championship pedigree could provide the leadership the Cowboys desperately need. His experience leading high-caliber players and managing an organization through ups and downs could make him the perfect fit for the Cowboys.

2. Defensive Expertise to Elevate the Cowboys

One of the Cowboys’ most significant challenges in recent seasons has been a lack of consistency on the defensive side of the ball. While the team has had flashes of brilliance, particularly with young stars like Micah Parsons, they have often been inconsistent at best. Carroll’s expertise in building dominant defenses, particularly his work with the Legion of Boom in Seattle, could be the key to transforming the Cowboys’ defense into one of the league’s elite units.

The addition of Carroll could also provide the opportunity for defensive-minded hires, which might complement the Cowboys’ offense led by Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. A more balanced team would give the Cowboys a better chance at competing for a championship, and Carroll’s presence could help put together a defensive unit that can make key stops when it matters most.

3. Experience in High-Pressure Environments

The Cowboys, due to their status as the most valuable franchise in the NFL, are under constant pressure to win. Jerry Jones is notorious for his desire to build a Super Bowl-winning team. Carroll, having coached for decades at both the college and NFL levels, is no stranger to high-pressure situations. He’s dealt with the expectations of winning at a high level in both Seattle and at the University of Southern California (USC), where he turned the Trojans into one of the most dominant programs in college football. His ability to perform in such environments could make him the ideal candidate to handle the scrutiny and media attention that comes with coaching the Dallas Cowboys.

4. A Proven Track Record of Player Development

The Cowboys have a roster full of talented, young players, especially on offense. Players like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons are already considered among the best in the league at their respective positions, but the Cowboys have struggled to get the most out of their talent in recent years. Carroll is known for his ability to develop players, particularly on defense, and his leadership could help elevate the level of play from the team’s young stars. By creating a culture that emphasizes growth and accountability, Carroll could help the Cowboys develop into a more complete and well-rounded team.

What This Means for Brian Schottenheimer

While the buzz surrounding Brian Schottenheimer as a potential head coaching candidate for the Cowboys is strong, the recent whispers of a potential conversation between Pete Carroll and Jerry Jones could change the trajectory of the search. Schottenheimer is a promising offensive mind, but Carroll brings a wealth of experience that could complement the Cowboys’ current roster in ways Schottenheimer cannot. If Carroll decides to pursue this opportunity, it would signal a major shift in the Cowboys’ coaching search.

It remains to be seen whether Jones will opt for the established success of Pete Carroll or the new, offensive-minded approach offered by Schottenheimer. However, one thing is clear: the Cowboys’ next head coach will need to take the team to the next level and contend for a Super Bowl.