The Chicago Bears are set to play the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football but firing of Shane Waldron as the Bears' offensive coordinator last month robbed Waldron of having a revenge game against his former team.
After the Seahawks and their former head coach Pete Carroll agreed to part ways last offseason, Waldron was allowed to interview for the Bears' offensive coordinator opening. Conventional wisdom would suggest that the Bears, at least, had a conversation with Carroll last offseason when going through the vetting process of Waldron but there are also signs to suggest that they didn't.
There were signs last season that Carroll was at odds with Waldron, with his statement following the Seahawks' loss on Thanksgiving being a clear indicator.
“We have to maximize our people and have to make sure that we’re putting them in the best positions for them to contribute so that we can make our momentum felt early in the game,” Carroll emphasized.
The issues that Carroll identified with Waldron last season seem to be the issues that led to the offensive coordinator's firing this season. That is important to keep in mind when considering the report that Adam Schefter had on Wednesday.
Former Seahawks Super-Bowl winning HC Pete Carroll has expressed interest in the Bears HC job and would like to return to the sideline next season, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 25, 2024
Carroll is one of four head coaches to have led teams to both a national championship and the Super… pic.twitter.com/qs6g4v1lTA
Pete Carroll wants to interview for Chicago Bears' opening.
The first pushback that Bears fans are going to have with Carroll is the fact that he had Waldron as his offensive coordinator with the Seahawks. We can put that concern to the side since Carroll realized last season what the Bears couldn't see during their vetting, Waldron was overmatched as an offensive coordinator.
The other concern is that Carroll is 73 years old. For where the Bears are, an older head coach who is one step away from retirement is not the right fit for a team that needs to prioritize the development of Caleb Williams.
If nothing else, the Bears should have the conversation with Carroll. Carroll shouldn't be the favorite for the Bears' opening but given his history, there is outside input the Bears could use moving forward.