December 29, 2005

Carroll, Trojans agree to contract extension

One can only presume that the Pete Carroll's to the NFL rumors were getting to both Carroll and USC, as both sides have taken steps to squash the rumor mill. USC and Carroll have agreed to contract extension, although the terms and length of the deal were not disclosed, the LA Daily News is calling it a five-year extension.

"We love what Pete is doing here," Garrett said in a statement issued late Wednesday. "He does a great job of winning games and graduating players. Pete wants to be at USC as long as he can and we want him here, too."

Carroll went on to confirm that the NFL rumors were a driving force in the extension talks.

Carroll acknowledged that annual speculation regarding a possible return to the NFL influenced his decision to talk about the extension. Carroll was head coach of the New York Jets in 1994 and the New England Patriots from 1997 to 1999.

...

"I spent plenty of time in the NFL, and I think I understand it quite well," he said Wednesday. "I've learned in the five years I've been here what the world of college football is like. It's been awesome to be here

"I'm not looking. I don't care about those [NFL] opportunities. They don't fit right now. They haven't even really been a consideration at any time in the five years I've been here."

This should be really good for USC football, especially for recruiting purposes. The Trojans have had recruits subjected to the "but is he going to be there?" question for the last two years, and this move - while it can't stop Carroll from leaving - should answer any doubts.

Posted by Kevin Donahue