J.J. Watt roots for former Seahawks' coach's return to NFL: "Pete Carroll deserves another shot"

Former NFL defensive end J.J. Watt has recently shown his support for Pete Carroll getting back into coaching in the NFL.

Carroll was an NFL coach for the New York Jets and the New England Patriots in 1994 and in 1997-1999. He went on to coach college football for the USC Trojans from 2001-2009 before returning to the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks. Carroll and the Seahawks agreed that he would step down as coach following the 2023-24 season but remained with the team as an advisor.

Even after Carroll stepped down as coach, he stated that he could "coach tomorrow," saying that he's still in the best shape of his life in a Seattle radio interview.

Watt, in a recent appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," pledged that the coach is deserving of another shot.

"Pete Carroll, I think deserves another shot. I don't know why it's not more common that he should get another shot and would be successful. I mean, I think that he's a great ball coach," Watt said. "Guys love playing for has had success. He's a guy that I would certainly look at. And he's also one of those CEO types who, yes, he has his hands in a lot of the different things, but he's not going to be running your offense or your defense. He's going to be overseeing the organization as a whole and making sure the entire thing runs properly. So I really like him."

Pete Carroll is gaining interest in making NFL return

Pete Carroll during Seattle Seahawks v Tennessee Titans (Image Source: Getty)

Per ESPN's Dan Graziano, the Chicago Bears plan to interview Pete Carroll on Thursday for their vacant coaching job.

The Bears made history this year after firing Matt Eberflus during the season. It was the first time it has happened in franchise history. They are one of six teams with coaching vacancies and seem to have interest in the former Super Bowl-winning coach.

In his 14 seasons as Seattle's coach, Carroll led the Seahawks to 10 postseason appearances, two Super Bowl appearances, a Super Bowl title, and a 137-89-1 record.

Carroll is also expected to draw interest from other teams, such as the Las Vegas Raiders, per NFL insider Vincent Bonsignore.

Who do you think are the best available coaching candidates this offseason, and which coaching vacancy do you find the most attractive?