Pete Carroll plans to continue coaching 'as long as it's fun'

BySheil Kapadia ESPN logo
Saturday, July 30, 2016

RENTON, Wash. -- Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, who turns 65 in September and is the oldest coach in the NFL, said Saturday that he has no plans to make his most recent contract his last one.

Carroll signed a three-year extension earlier this week that will keep him with the Seahawks through the 2019 season.

"That's just the next stop along the way," Carroll said. "I know you guys keep wanting to know, 'How long is he going to coach?' or whatever.

"I've got no end to this. I don't see it. I'm just going for it. I'm going to go as long as it's fun and it's good and we're winning games and all that. I don't feel any different than I've felt. As a matter a fact, I feel better. I'm under my playing weight. I'm in great shape. I'm ready to go."

Carroll was asked if it's at least fair to say that Seattle will be his final coaching stop.

"No. I don't even want to think that," he said. "There ain't no last stop -- just keep going. I know you guys are wondering if this is what 65 gets you. I'm jacked up, I'm ready to go. I don't have any other thought about that. So if you guys are worried about being 65 -- OK, look at me, it ain't that bad. I think it's pretty fun. If I can help you guys out some, I'd be happy to."

Carroll is entering his seventh season as the Seahawks' head coach. During that span, the team has won 60 games, second-most in the NFC. The Seahawks have made the playoffs in five of six seasons, made the Super Bowl twice and won the championship once.