While I think the situation is less than ideal, it's an opportunity for Carroll to be given full control over personnel decisions, which I'm not sure any team has ever offered him before.

If he's given five years to work in that situation, there's no reason he shouldn't have the team he wants by the end of that five years.

While I wouldn't trust Carrol with an NFL franchise ever again after he wrecked New England in the late '90's, Kevo does make a good point. The Carrol led Patriots were handcuffed with Bobby Grier (shudder) as GM.

it's flattering and fun to be in the running for this kind of thing.

but there's ZERO chance Carroll leaves sunny, sexy, easy (wins & girls) USC for the Atlanta freakin' Falcons.

Zero chance.

Mr Blank seems to be glutton for punishment.

So nobody is going to mention the Reggie Bush sized mushroom cloud that is about to be hanging over the program. He's trying to get out now, and let someone else take that fall.

black, you may have a point there, but I certainly don't know any details. I can't remember; are there depositions soon to be taken regarding the Bush family's changing financial status while ol' Reg was a Trojan?

If I knew the first thing about coaching and had the option, I would take a top-tier college job over an NFL job any day. You're guaranteed to win 60-70% of your games at minimum, there's lower pressure (except for at Notre Dame), there's more tolerance for off years, and you get to coach a bunch of kids that are awe-struck at being able to play for USC (Michigan, Texas, wherever) rather than a bunch of stuck-up millionaires.

I agree with #5. There isn't any other logical reason why he would even remotely consider the Atlanta job. Of course, nobody ever accused coaches of being logical when it comes to job changes.

Is Carroll gonna get all "pumped and jacked" again?

And has he learned from his NE experience to not let players walk all over him?

Adam Schefter is reporting that Pete Carroll is not even considering the job...I take his word over ESPN's....

I'd be shocked if this was even remotely true. And as an Atlanta fan, I hope it isn't. I don't think he's cut out to be a pro HC, and there's better options available anyway (Jim Caldwell).

Reggie Bush sized mushroom cloud that is about to be hanging over the program

Meaningful NCAA sanctions against USC football are another great example of a zero probabilty event!

If Caroll take Falcon job i record down more like Steve Spurrier.
probably good move to leave before USC program gets in trouble. if get 5 years on contract he can probably take Falcons to playoffs one year. for that crappy team that might be real progress .

"If he’s given five years to work in that situation, there’s no reason he shouldn’t have the team he wants by the end of that five years."

Well, a good reason is that player acquisition in the NFL is nothing like player acquisition for college programs (i.e., recruiting). USC under Carroll gets the cream of the crop, basically picking and choosing among the top talent out of high school, due to a number of inherent advantages for the program (its success/tradition, location, weather, TV exposure, cheerleaders, alumni connections, etc.).

In contrast, an NFL team doesn't get to recruit players (except in free agency). A key source of player acquisition obviously is the draft. Starting out, each team has the same number of picks in each round, leaving out compensatory picks (and picks forfeited). With USC, what Carroll is able to recruit would be like an NFL team having 5 first round picks, 5 second round picks, 5 third round picks, etc., without salary cap implications. He's able to say "I'll bring in a Peyton Manning, and a Tom Brady for depth (or vice versa - I'm not trying to rekindle any irrational debates). Oh, and I'll bring in LaDainian Tomlinson, and Brian Westbrook, and Adrian Peterson, and for receiver I'll take Randy Moss, TO, and Marvin Harrison. On the offensive line, I'll take Walter Jones, Joe Thomas, etc. On defense, I'll take Tommie Harris, Kevin Williams, Shawne Merriman, DeMarcus Ware, Brian Urlacher, Ed Reed, Bob Sanders, Champ Bailey, etc."

He simply won't have the same advantage that he has at USC if he comes back to the NFL.

One of Carrol's assistants has two convictions for animal cruelty, so he does seem uniquely qualified for the Atlanta job.

I doubt that if USC gets punished for the Bush stuff, it will be very severe. Temporary loss of a few scholarships, maybe one year of bowl eligibility.

Unless they can demonstrate that someone at USC knew about what was going on, then it could get pretty harsh.

The Falcons seem like a pretty good fit for Marty. Not sure why that hasn't already happened.

Every year at this time we see a rumor "Carroll very interested in (some NFL job)."

Every year, he doesn't take it, despite the rumors saying he's being offered $4 zillion per year and complete control even over life and death.

Re:#11

Look up Jim Caldwell's last real coaching job some time when you have a chance.

I'll give you a hint, I never hear any Wake Forest University football fans here in Winston-Salem, NC saying anything nice about him.

I would also like to know what Jim Caldwell could possibly be teaching Peyton Manning as the QB coach for Indy.

I seriously doubt Blank would consider a guy like Caldwell. He'll hold out for a much bigger name, if not a much better coach. Old Artie loves to make a splash. In fact, I doubt Jim Mora Jr. would have ever been hired if he were named, say, Mike Mora.

I really hope he is just using these talks as leverage for more money at USC or something.
This is a team that quit and has no motivation other than paychecks...All the Free Mike Vick T-Shirts. It might be understandable or excusable.

This team needs a big kick in the ass, and Pete Carrol is not that guy.