TNF advance: Pete Carroll an ideal candidate for Bears

Pete Carroll is eyeing a return to the sidelines and interested in the Chicago Bears head-coaching position, Adam Schefter reported Wednesday. For a franchise looking to rebuild and establish a new identity, Carroll’s resume makes him an ideal candidate.

Carroll’s former team, Seattle (8-7), is in Chicago to meet the Bears (4-11) on Thursday Night Football (8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video). One of three teams currently looking for a head coach, Chicago can interview Carroll anytime.

Carroll, who reached the pinnacle of coaching with a Super Bowl victory over Peyton Manning and the Broncos in 2013, a return trip in 2014 and years of consistent success in Seattle, brings decades of experience building and running organizations. While many believe the Bears should hire an offensive-minded coach to develop Caleb Williams, Carroll’s vast network of contacts in the industry, including the college level, could still make him the perfect fit. If he surrounds himself with the right offensive staff and focuses on leading the team, he could provide the stability and direction Chicago desperately needs.

Beyond his leadership skills, Carroll’s history of working with quarterbacks in both the NFL and in college makes him a compelling choice. During his time in Seattle, he played a key role in developing Russell Wilson into one of the NFL’s most effective quarterbacks. Those insights and lessons could prove invaluable in helping a young player like Williams continue to develop.

Of course, there’s the question of Carroll’s time away from coaching. The NFL evolves quickly, and the schemes and strategies that worked a few years ago might not be as effective today. Still, his experience in navigating the pressure of deep playoff runs and winning at the highest level can’t be overstated.

While offensive coordinators like Detroit’s Ben Johnson and Tampa Bay’s Liam Coen are among the hottest names on the coaching market, their lack of head-coaching experience stands out. That’s not to say they won’t succeed, but leading a team requires more than schematic innovation—it takes the kind of experience and proven leadership Carroll has displayed throughout his career.

For a young Bears team in search of a clear identity, Carroll’s blend of experience and success, and ability to develop talent could make him the ideal choice to turn things around in Chicago.

For more information on the Bears and Seahawks, visit the Chicago and Seattle team pages at ProFootballPost.com.