LOS ANGELES — Pete Carroll ended his nine-year tenure with Southern California on Monday, leaving behind a program facing multiple woes for a lucrative deal to coach the Seahawks.
“If you know anything about me, you know I can’t pass up this challenge,” said Carroll, 58.
Carroll went 97-19 and won seven Pac-10 titles and two national championships at USC, but the school is under a cloud of an NCAA investigation and other scandals after its worst season (9-4) since Carroll’s first year.
Carroll, who is taking along quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates, offensive line coach Pat Ruel and linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr., compiled a 33-31 record in previous stints with the Jets and Patriots. He replaces Jim Mora, who was fired Friday.
As for the NCAA investigation into allegations former tailback Reggie Bush and his family received improper benefits from a marketing agent, Yahoo! Sports reported the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions will meet from Feb. 19-21 to address what investigators uncovered.
Cable to meet with Davis
ALAMEDA, Calif. — Tom Cable is expected to meet with owner Al Davis to discuss his status as Raiders coach.
Cable’s job status is in question after he went 5-11 in his first full season as coach and failed to develop JaMarcus Russell into a legitimate NFL quarterback.
Bills eye Schottenheimer
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Bills have asked the Jets for permission to interview offensive coordinator Brian Schotten- heimer as a possible replacement for coach Dick Jauron, who was fired in November.
The Bills have interviewed Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier and their own Perry Fewell, who had a 3-4 record in finishing the season as Buffalo’s interim head coach. reported the Bills also have asked the Cardinals for permission to interview assistant head coach and running game coordinator Russ Grimm.
Browns hire Heckert as GM
CLEVELAND — The Browns hired Tom Heckert as their general manager, luring him away from the Eagles.
Meanwhile, team president Mike Holmgren said he remains optimistic the Browns can work out a new contract with Pro Bowl return specialist Josh Cribbs and added quarterback Brady Quinn has a Lisfranc foot fracture but likely will not need surgery.
Buccaneers safety Phillips accused of choking wife
TAMPA, Fla. — Buccaneers safety Jermaine Phillips has been charged with trying to choke his wife during an argument.
According to a Hillsborough County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office press release, Phillips was charged with domestic battery by strangulation. Authorities said Phillips’ wife called 911 on Sunday and said her husband had grabbed her around the neck. She said the couple argued after she confronted him about a number in his cellphone.
Footnotes.
The Dolphins fired defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni, whose unit ranked 22nd in yards allowed after finishing 15th a year earlier.
• Eagles coach Andy Reid squelched speculation about Donovan McNabb’s future, saying the five-time Pro Bowl quarterback will be back next season.
• Packers linebacker Aaron Kampman said the rehabilitation work on his injured left knee is ahead of schedule and he expects to be ready for the beginning of training camp.
The Associated Press
