Pete Carroll Interested in Coaching the Atlanta Falcons

University of Southern California's head coach Pete Carroll has reportedly expressed interest in the Atlanta Falcons head-coaching job that Bobby Petrino vacated during this past NFL season. Over the past several years Carroll has led USC's football team to several successful seasons including a national title and a split national title. USC finished in the top 5 of the nation in each of the past six years. As a result of his success in college since joining USC in 2000 several teams have inquired about bringing him back to the NFL.

One must wonder as to why teams have considered Carroll for head coaching jobs as his two prior stints at the top position were less than stellar. In 1994 he went 6-10 with the New Yorks Jets and was fired at the end of the year. Carroll joined the England Patriots in 1997 and led them to an impressive 10-6 record. However, in the next two seasons Carroll's Patriots posted 9-7 and 8-8 records. Owner Robert Kraft fired Carroll at the end of the 1999 season. Overall Carroll has been mediocre as a head coach.

For Carroll a move to the National Football League makes perfect sense. Carroll would like to prove that he can succeed at the highest level of. He has the fire and intensity to succeed, but he has yet to show if he has the talent to do so in the National Football League. Additionally there is a large issue looming over the USC program that could lead to his departure. Rumors are circulating that superstar running back and current NFL player Reggie Bush violated NCAA rules and was thus ineligible to play in several games during the Trojan's national title runs.

As a result, the Trojans may be forced to forfeit a large number of games and possibly face other significant sanctions from the NCAA. As a result of this transgression the USC program could be crippled and have its reputation tarnished. Carroll would be wise to skip out of town and avoid such issues. It may not be the most courageous act, but professionally would be logical. The Atlanta Falcons franchise is in complete turmoil, but the situation may be more desirable to work in than dealing with the ramifications of potential rules violations.

This signing would make little sense for the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons are in need of strong guidance and leadership. Yet, Carroll was known for being a player's coach during his stints elsewhere in the National Football League. It is unlikely that Carroll would be able to provide the rigid structure necessary to breed success. Carroll does provide a flashy name for the struggling Atlanta franchise, but it is unlikely that Carroll's coaching methods will suddenly translate well in the NFL. It is shocking that the Falcons are not pursuing former head coaches that have been disciplinarians and had more success in the past. Additionally, if the USC program does become entrenched in scandal will cause a great distraction for Carroll and subsequently the team as a whole. The Falcons are in need of a coach who is entirely dedicated to the team unlike the previous coach Bobby Petrino.

Successful college coaches such as the great Steve Spurrier have had difficulties making the jump to the NFL and it is highly likely that Carroll would suffer a similar fate. The Falcons should wise up and purse more established coaches and NFL assistants such as Marty Schottenheimer. Carroll may be the flashy name, but if selected as the next head coach the team will further sink into despair. Carroll will be overmatched in the task of righting a sinking ship and should not be selected to lead the team. If the Falcons continue to higher college coaches that do not have the type of game plans that translate well to the National Football League Atlanta will continue to be a substandard team.

Sources

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3188045