Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, at 72 years old, is the oldest coach in the NFL. He has a Super Bowl trophy and ranks 17th in NFL history for most wins (165). Carroll’s team meetings are known for being unorthodox and a lot of fun. According to the players, these meetings set him apart from other coaches.
During rookie minicamp, tight end Luke Willson recalls coming into the team meeting room where it was dead silent. Carroll storms in and immediately asks who the kickers are, initiating a basketball shootout to determine who stays and who gets cut. Willson realizes that Carroll is just kidding and is impressed by his sense of humor. The team goes out to practice with music blaring and Carroll dancing around.
Players and former players rave about Carroll’s team meetings. Players like Jermaine Kearse, Malcolm Smith, Chad Brown, and Golden Tate express how enjoyable these meetings are and how Carroll’s jokes and pranks bring a sense of excitement and fun to the team. Carroll is known for his pranks, including setting up fake snakes and filming the players’ reactions. He even has a “safe place” game where he tells fake stories about players to keep them engaged and entertained.
Carroll also makes sure to allocate time for pure fun during the day. He hosts scooter races in the coaches’ offices and organizes a free-throw shooting contest during team meetings. These activities help create a positive and energetic atmosphere within the team.
Other instances of Carroll’s unique coaching style include him sprinting into practice after having surgery, creating a basketball hoop for the team during the Super Bowl week, and holding team meetings in small, dingy rooms to optimize the energy.
Overall, Carroll’s unorthodox team meetings and sense of humor have made him a beloved and respected coach in the NFL. His ability to create a fun and engaging environment while still focusing on the serious aspects of the game has contributed to the team’s success.