Could Pete Carroll end up at Atlanta with the Falcons?

[crawfish]

Report: Falcons looking to meet with USC's Carroll (CBCsport.com)

Will Pete Carroll end up in NFL after all? After leading the USC Trojans to an 11-2 record and a sixth straight BCS bowl appearance, Carroll is being courted by the Atlanta Falcons, according to an Internet report.

Apparently, the Falcons have been trying to set up a meeting with the former Jets and Patriots coach, and this meeting could come as soon as this weekend, if logistically possible. Carroll is one of a few candidates that Atlanta wishes to interview, others including Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and possibly Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

The Falcons have been without a head coach since Bobby Petrino left with three games remaining in the season. He soon returned to the college ranks by accepting the Arkansas job. Many feel that Carroll would only return to the NFL if he is given full control over a team. While that doesn't initially look possible in Atlanta -- since the team is searching for a general manager -- sources say that Carroll might be given additional responsibilities.

[WarEagle73]

I missed the first part but they just said on the radio that Carroll is being offered the head coaching job today and would be granted full control over personnel decisions. I'm not sure if I heard it correctly but I think he is supposed to fly to Atlanta today.

[Cianne]

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

[geechee]

I've heard all these BS rumours but, ask yourselves this. Why would Pete Carroll want to leave USC for the freaking Falcons?

[AuburnJT]

I've heard all these BS rumours but, ask yourselves this. Why would Pete Carroll want to leave USC for the freaking Falcons?

In the words of Randy Moss, "Straight Cash Homey"

[geechee]

In the words of Randy Moss, "Straight Cash Homey"

Nope, you got to come up with something better than that. The guy coaches USC. Money is no problem and the Falcons are cursed.

[AuburnJT]

You're crazy if you think USC can throw more money at him than the Falcons can.

[geechee]

You're crazy if you think USC can throw more money at him than the Falcons can.

Excuse me? Do you know how much money USC allumni have? If Arkansas can come up with $3 million for Petrino (which was only $1 million less than he was getting from the Falcons), how much more do you think USC could come up with? The vast majority of coaches salaries do not come from the schools.

[sheluvsbama]

I think I would stay in California. The Atlanta Falcons would present a possible hornet's nest of trouble. It would not be easy, in fact it would be challenging in the extreme, to get the ATL blues straightened out. Southern cal remains the cush place for Carroll.

[gatorunvrsty]

The only reason he's even considering the jump back to the pros is because the NCAA is about to throw USC under the bus. There have been several more revelations and taped conversations come out about Bush lately; and many observers think it's going to cost USC some games, awards, and future schollies. It'll probably also cost Bush his Heisman.

The Associated Press: Book: Marketer Gave Bush Cash at USC (http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hDTSyVLrqJL347yBSv4TmbXdqT6wD8U3B2E81)

Marketer says he gave R. Bush cash in college -- baltimoresun.com (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/football/bal-sp.fbcnotes11jan11,0,923585.story)

All Things Trojan : Los Angeles Times : First glance at the dreaded "Bush Book" (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/allthingstrojan/2008/01/highlights-from.html)

http://www.sbrforum.com/Headlines/NCAAF/56462.aspx

As far as money is concerned... while USC CAN probably come up with similar money for Carroll, it doesn't mean they're allowed to pay it. Those things get approved by state boards-of-regents, because public school salaries must still be approved by the state. I don't think they'd allow USC to pay a coach that much more than the coaches of other universities in the state. In other words: if Atlanta offered him $5 million/year, I'm sure USC could match it, but I don't think it would be approved. In the long run, I don't think money plays a significant part in the decision. Carroll is determined to prove he can coach at the next level, and that his last stint isn't indicative of his abilities. He was fired after one season with the Jets; and he took a good Parcells team (the Pats), and made them steadily worse for the next 2 years.

[Tennessee Ted]

I've heard all these BS rumours but, ask yourselves this. Why would Pete Carroll want to leave USC for the freaking Falcons?

In one word "ego."

[zartan]

Carroll is going to turn them down. it just gets worse and worse for the Falcons. I doubt that the best coach in the CFL would join right about now...

[Emilio7]

Pete Carroll's just entertaining the Atlanta Falcons right. USC is to good of a job and fix the Falcons program would take 3 or 4 years at the least.

[Tennessee Ted]

I hope he does not go actually. He is good for college football. I can't stand USC, but it makes life interesting to root against them. Kind of like when Spurrier was at Florida. Even though he dominated us it was more enjoyable of a rivalry when he was there. I would take one win against Spurrier then three against Zook.

[BamaDude06]

The only reason he's even considering the jump back to the pros is because the NCAA is about to throw USC under the bus. There have been several more revelations and taped conversations come out about Bush lately; and many observers think it's going to cost USC some games, awards, and future schollies. It'll probably also cost Bush his Heisman.

The Associated Press: Book: Marketer Gave Bush Cash at USC (http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hDTSyVLrqJL347yBSv4TmbXdqT6wD8U3B2E81)

Marketer says he gave R. Bush cash in college -- baltimoresun.com (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/football/bal-sp.fbcnotes11jan11,0,923585.story)

All Things Trojan : Los Angeles Times : First glance at the dreaded "Bush Book" (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/allthingstrojan/2008/01/highlights-from.html)

http://www.sbrforum.com/Headlines/NCAAF/56462.aspx

As far as money is concerned... while USC CAN probably come up with similar money for Carroll, it doesn't mean they're allowed to pay it. Those things get approved by state boards-of-regents, because public school salaries must still be approved by the state. I don't think they'd allow USC to pay a coach that much more than the coaches of other universities in the state. In other words: if Atlanta offered him $5 million/year, I'm sure USC could match it, but I don't think it would be approved. In the long run, I don't think money plays a significant part in the decision. Carroll is determined to prove he can coach at the next level, and that his last stint isn't indicative of his abilities. He was fired after one season with the Jets; and he took a good Parcells team (the Pats), and made them steadily worse for the next 2 years.

USC is a private school.

[Sabanocchio]

Carroll is just leveraging this for either a better NFL opportunity or more money with USC.
I can see Dan Snyder throwing all kinds of money his way and that club is on the rise in stark contrast to the situations at Atlanta and Miami.

[D^3]

The only reason I don't want Carrol to go, is I want to beat USC next year with him coaching. I don't want any "Well, with Carrol coaching, who knows what would of happened" comments from the FOX a-holes when UGA puts the whoopin on them next January. :D

[geechee]

In one word "ego."

Pete Carroll is over here surfing right now so all the rest is BS. The last time I checked, there wasn't much surfing going on in the ATL and Carroll is not going to go where he can not go surfing when he gets a chance.

[gatorunvrsty]

USC is a private school.

You're right... it is private. That would affect how his salary was accounted for. I still agree with all the folks who are saying he's only considering the jump because 1. USC is about to find itself on probation, and 2. He wants another shot at proving himself in the pros. I really don't think it'll come down to money.

[aufan]

I cant believe he even talked to them---the fact he gave it a thought is crazy in my opinion

[BamaDude06]

I think it might be a ploy by him to show teams that he will listen, but he's going to wait for the right NFL job to open up.

[aufan]

It would just seem that he has it made now----why go back to the NFL and deal with all those jokers???

[sheluvsbama]

In one word "ego."

I think ego would be involved, but I don't think the Falcons would be the team to inflate it. If he is up for a gargantuan challenge, maybe. But I think being the coach at USC is plenty enough to keep his ego stroked. They are almost always in the limelight, one way or another. But you are definitly right. Ego is a big stimulator!

[sheluvsbama]

I cant believe he even talked to them---the fact he gave it a thought is crazy in my opinion

I never expected him to give them the time of day.

[gatorunvrsty]

I think ego would be involved, but I don't think the Falcons would be the team to inflate it. If he is up for a gargantuan challenge, maybe. But I think being the coach at USC is plenty enough to keep his ego stroked. They are almost always in the limelight, one way or another. But you are definitly right. Ego is a big stimulator!

Well, I don't see Atlanta being the ideal situation, either; but, he's only going to go to a team that gives him total control over football operations, and Blank has told him he would give him that. Few other teams would be willing to do it; particularly for a college coach with a poor pro record. Some of these other teams might be willing to do that for a coach with a proven pro track record, but not Carroll. Blank is desperate enough to offer him that; and, by all accounts, has.

I guess you really have to decide what kind of man you think he is. Is he the kind of guy who bails out on his college team and responsibilities, now that he's been caught with his hand in the cookie jar with Bush? Sources are saying the coaches knew about the payoffs to Bush, and they have definitive proof to back it up. If USC has to forfeit games, a NC, schollies, Bush's Heisman; and/or gets put on probation that prevents them from playing in the postseason or on T.V., then the USC job isn't so attractive anymore. And, all those things are very real possibilities at this point... and becoming more so every day. This thing is blowing up in their face, as more and more revelations arrive at the NCAA.

[sheluvsbama]

Well, I don't see Atlanta being the ideal situation, either; but, he's only going to go to a team that gives him total control over football operations, and Blank has told him he would give him that. Few other teams would be willing to do it; particularly for a college coach with a poor pro record. Some of these other teams might be willing to do that for a coach with a proven pro track record, but not Carroll. Blank is desperate enough to offer him that; and, by all accounts, has.

I guess you really have to decide what kind of man you think he is. Is he the kind of guy who bails out on his college team and responsibilities, now that he's been caught with his hand in the cookie jar with Bush? Sources are saying the coaches knew about the payoffs to Bush, and they have definitive proof to back it up. If USC has to forfeit games, a NC, schollies, Bush's Heisman; and/or gets put on probation that prevents them from playing in the postseason or on T.V., then the USC job isn't so attractive anymore. And, all those things are very real possibilities at this point... and becoming more so every day. This thing is blowing up in their face, as more and more revelations arrive at the NCAA.

I am afraid we have not even begun to see the ugliness. It is on the way to snowballing as we speak. I am sorry for the team. There are innocent ones, (yes, even at Southern Cal!) who will not deserve what is happening. They go to a place such as USC, with the hope of a great deal of media attention and national championship possibilities. This school is like a showcase for NFL talent. The players know this. I am sorry for the ones who will be hurt by all this.

[Noah.Dreams]

Your right. USC is the quintessential college of this decade. Why give this up?

Can it be that Reggie Bush's latest venture is pushing Carroll out the door?

Marketer says he gave R. Bush cash in college -- baltimoresun.com (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/football/bal-sp.fbcnotes11jan11,0,923585.story)
Marketer says he gave R. Bush cash in college
January 11, 2008

A San Diego marketer claims in a new book that he gave former Southern California running back Reggie Bush nearly $300,000 in cash while Bush was in college.

Based largely on interviews with Lloyd Lake, who tried to secure Bush as a client for the marketing company he attempted to launch, Tarnished Heisman says the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner was provided with hotel stays, cash for shopping sprees and money to buy and customize a car.

The book's authors, Don Yaeger and Jim Henry, acknowledge that Lake "has been compensated in return for his full cooperation," according to a story posted on the Los Angeles Times' Web site yesterday.




I cant believe he even talked to them---the fact he gave it a thought is crazy in my opinion

[sheluvsbama]

If he leaves, I think it will be in direct relation to the Reggie Bush debacle. Otherwise I have little doubt that he would stay right where he is. There are going to be difficulties to live through at USC, but he should go ahead and face the music.

[Emilio7]

I doubt USC will go on probation and if they do they'll still be one of the better teams in the nation. USC is to good of a job for Pete Carroll to leave.

[sheluvsbama]

I doubt USC will go on probation and if they do they'll still be one of the better teams in the nation. USC is to good of a job for Pete Carroll to leave.

I completely agree. USC is THE place to coach and that very much overrides the Falcons job, in my mind.

[gatorunvrsty]

I doubt USC will go on probation and if they do they'll still be one of the better teams in the nation. USC is to good of a job for Pete Carroll to leave.

That may be; but it wouldn't be if they get put on probation. Look what happens to teams that get major sanctions. It affects everything. They wouldn't be eligible for TV appearances, bowl games, or the NC. If they don't have all that, they don't have kids wanting to go there. They'd lose schollies directly because of infractions, and they'd lose top prospects because none of them will want to play at a school where they can't play for a NC or get national exposure. Probation has a steamrolling effect, and it takes years to bounce back from it. It took Florida years to bounce back; it took Bama years to bounce back (their rebuilding is still ongoing); and neither of those schools' infractions was anywhere near as serious as these Bush allegations. Oklahoma will feel some pain for their recent misdeeds, too; and again, what they did is nowhere near as bad as what USC did.

I can't weigh how good of a job USC is right now, and compare it to what a pro job might be like. I have to weigh what kind of job USC might be like while on probation, and compare THAT to pro possibilities. The USC program we all know and hate today wouldn't be anything like the USC on probation... they'd be the new Stanford. It wasn't too long ago these guys absolutely SUCKED. From '96 through '01, they went 6-6, 6-5, 8-5, 6-6, 5-7, and 6-6. USC isn't accustomed to having years like that; and I think they fell victim to that ever-present temptation to pay-for-play, to get back where they think they belong. The very next year, they went 11-2, and then 12-1, 13-0, 12-1, 11-2, and 11-2. Now we're finding out why. It's almost like watching the Barry Bonds years, comparing stats for the time he wasn't juicing, and the ones when he was. You've got USC without paid superstars, and USC with paid players.

[sheluvsbama]

That may be; but it wouldn't be if they get put on probation. Look what happens to teams that get major sanctions. It affects everything. They wouldn't be eligible for TV appearances, bowl games, or the NC. If they don't have all that, they don't have kids wanting to go there. They'd lose schollies directly because of infractions, and they'd lose top prospects because none of them will want to play at a school where they can't play for a NC or get national exposure. Probation has a steamrolling effect, and it takes years to bounce back from it. It took Florida years to bounce back; it took Bama years to bounce back (their rebuilding is still ongoing); and neither of those schools' infractions was anywhere near as serious as these Bush allegations. Oklahoma will feel some pain for their recent misdeeds, too; and again, what they did is nowhere near as bad as what USC did.

I can't weigh how good of a job USC is right now, and compare it to what a pro job might be like. I have to weigh what kind of job USC might be like while on probation, and compare THAT to pro possibilities. The USC program we all know and hate today wouldn't be anything like the USC on probation... they'd be the new Stanford. It wasn't too long ago these guys absolutely SUCKED. From '96 through '01, they went 6-6, 6-5, 8-5, 6-6, 5-7, and 6-6. USC isn't accustomed to having years like that; and I think they fell victim to that ever-present temptation to pay-for-play, to get back where they think they belong. The very next year, they went 11-2, and then 12-1, 13-0, 12-1, 11-2, and 11-2. Now we're finding out why. It's almost like watching the Barry Bonds years, comparing stats for the time he wasn't juicing, and the ones when he was. You've got USC without paid superstars, and USC with paid players.

Probation is the Great Destroyer. It will hurt anyone, no matter how successful they have been. And the time it takes to recover from such a blow, will even things up in a hurry with the other teams. Southern Cal. could find out something they hoped to never see. How the other half lives.

[SeattleGamecocks]

I think it might be a ploy by him to show teams that he will listen, but he's going to wait for the right NFL job to open up.That's my opinion as well.

[crimsonnation713]

His ego won't let him stay at USC. Hes gotta try it again and for that...hes an idiot IMO.

[geechee]

His ego won't let him stay at USC. Hes gotta try it again and for that...hes an idiot IMO.
At USC, he's the top dog in Los Angeles. The second largest city in the country. A city that does not have an NFL team because they don't really need one. Please understand that it is not Pete who is fanning the these flames. He has an agent and of course that agent has a publicist whose only job is to keep Pete's name in the press. This makes USC alumni nervous because they don't want to lose him and thus they give the guy a raise just to keep him home and thus his agent has done his job and takes his cut. Its Hollywood. Its how its done there. Pete did not pick up a phone and start this.

[crimsonnation713]

At USC, he's the top dog in Los Angeles. The second largest city in the country. A city that does not have an NFL team because they don't really need one. Please understand that it is not Pete who is fanning the these flames. He has an agent and of course that agent has a publicist whose only job is to keep Pete's name in the press. This makes USC alumni nervous because they don't want to lose him and thus they give the guy a raise just to keep him home and thus his agent has done his job and takes his cut. Its Hollywood. Its how its done there. Pete did not pick up a phone and start this.

I understand how the agent gets coaches salary bumped year after year. Sexton is the master of it. With all that said....is he staying? It may not be this time but IMO in the near future , he will go pro.

[geechee]

With all that said....is he staying? It may not be this time but IMO in the near future , he will go pro.

What is your definition of the "near future". I don't see him staying at USC as long as Richt will stay at UGA but I don't think he is looking to leave. Some billionaire may come along and make him an offer he can't refuse but it won't be Atlanta.

[crimsonnation713]

What is your definition of the "near future". I don't see him staying at USC as long as Richt will stay at UGA but I don't think he is looking to leave. Some billionaire may come along and make him an offer he can't refuse but it won't be Atlanta.

That was my point. If he goes to Atlanta hes an idiot.