Pete Carroll: Jim harbaugh rivalry| What teams has coached| Wiki

Introduction

Football rivalries are often defined not just by matchups on the field, but by narratives, personalities, and journeys of the coaches behind the teams. Among the most compelling in recent decades is the rivalry between Pete Carroll and Jim Harbaugh. Two coaching legends, with backgrounds in both college and NFL, whose paths have crossed many times—often under high stakes. This article will delve into:

• The origins and evolution of the Carroll-Harbaugh rivalry

• The coaching history of Pete Carroll

• The coaching history of Jim Harbaugh

• Their head-to-head battles and key moments

• What makes this rivalry special

Part I: Origins & Evolution of the Rivalry

Early Days: College Football (Pac-10 / Pac-12 Era)

• The rivalry began in earnest in 2007, when Jim Harbaugh became head coach of Stanford Cardinal, competing in the Pac-10, and Pete Carroll was already the head coach of USC Trojans.

• One of the defining moments occurred in 2009, when Stanford defeated USC 55-21—the largest margin ever by Stanford over Carroll’s USC at that time.

• After that game, during the handshake at midfield, Carroll confronted Harbaugh, saying, “What’s your deal though, you all right?” Harbaugh replied in kind. This exchange became iconic in illustrating the tension and competitiveness.

Transition to NFL: NFC West Battles

• Carroll left USC in 2010 to become head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Harbaugh left Stanford shortly after (2010), then took over the San Francisco 49ers in 2011. Both ended up in the NFC West, making their rivalry move to the NFL stage.

• Their teams often clashed in regular seasons, and once in the 2013-14 NFC Championship Game, when Seattle defeated San Francisco 23-17, en route to winning Super Bowl XLVIII.

Recent Renewal: AFC West & Present Day

• In 2024, Harbaugh returned to the NFL as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.

• Pete Carroll, after retiring from Seattle at the end of the 2023 season (and a year in an advisory role), took over as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025. Because the Raiders and Chargers are in the same division (AFC West), the rivalry is now renewed in a fresh context.

Part II: Pete Carroll — Coaching History

Here’s a breakdown of Pete Carroll’s coaching journey, including major achievements, teams coached, and style.

NFL Coaching (Early Years)

• Coached New York Jets as head coach in 1994 (his first NFL head coaching job) — modest success.

• Later, head coach of New England Patriots from 1997-1999. He made playoff appearances with them but was eventually let go.

College Success at USC

• Carroll took over as USC head coach in 2001, remaining there through 2009.

• At USC, he rebuilt the program, won seven consecutive Pac-10 championships (2002-2008), and claimed 2 national championships (2003, 2004) though one title was vacated.

• USC under Carroll was dominant in college football in that era.

Return to NFL: Seattle Seahawks & Beyond

• In 2010, Carroll was hired by the Seattle Seahawks. He coached them through the 2023 season.

• Major highlights with the Seahawks include:

  • Winning Super Bowl XLVIII (2013 season) over the Denver Broncos.

  • Multiple playoff appearances (10) over his Seattle tenure.

  • Becoming the franchise’s all-time wins leader.

Current Role

• After 2023, Carroll stepped down from Seattle and then in January 2025 was hired as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Coaching Style & Personality

• Known for an infectious positivity, motivational speeches, strong emphasis on competition (“Always Compete”).

• Emphasis on strong defense (e.g. Seahawks’ “Legion of Boom” defense), disciplined teams, and player development.

• Carroll’s philosophical approach often contrasts with Harbaugh’s—both are competitive, but Carroll tends to project more optimism and motivational leadership.

Part III: Jim Harbaugh — Coaching History

Here’s a detailed look at Jim Harbaugh’s coaching pathway, including teams coached, records, achievements, and current status.

Early & College Coaching

• After his NFL playing career, Harbaugh started coaching in 2002-2003 as Quarterbacks Coach for the Oakland Raiders.

• First head coaching position was University of San Diego from 2004-2006, where he won Pioneer Football League titles in 2005 and 2006.

• Then moved to Stanford University (2007-2010). He revitalized the program, improving records year over year, and in 2010 Stanford went 12-1, finished highly ranked, with a big win in the Orange Bowl.

NFL with San Francisco 49ers

• Harbaugh became head coach of the San Francisco 49ers in 2011, coaching through 2014.

• During his 49ers tenure:

  • NFL Coach of the Year in his first season.

  • Took the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII (after the 2012 season), losing to his brother John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens.

  • Consistent success, including multiple NFC Championship Game appearances.

Michigan Wolverines Era

• In 2015, Harbaugh accepted the head coaching role at his alma mater, University of Michigan, coaching through 2023.

• Key achievements there:

  • Ending Michigan’s long losing streak vs Ohio State (in 2021).

  • Multiple Big Ten Conference titles (2021, 2022, 2023).

  • Winning the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2023.

Return to NFL: Los Angeles Chargers

• In January 2024, Harbaugh left Michigan to become head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.

• In his first year with the Chargers, he led them to a playoff appearance.

Style & Persona

• Harbaugh is known for being fiercely competitive, intense, sometimes confrontational.

• His teams often emphasize discipline, toughness, physicality, and defensive strength.

• He also has a reputation for building program culture, turning around struggling teams (as seen at Stanford and Michigan).

Part IV: Head-to-Head Battles & Key Moments

Here are some of the most important games and moments that define the Carroll-Harbaugh rivalry.

Rivalry Dynamics

• The rivalry is not purely hostile; both coaches have expressed respect for each other’s abilities while also maintaining competitive edge.

• Their contrast in styles—Carroll’s optimistic, motivational tone vs Harbaugh’s more intense, discipline-oriented approach—adds flavor.

• Moments like the controversial two-point conversion attempt by Harbaugh when Stanford was already up 48-21 (in 2009) irritated Carroll and created enduring talking points.

Part V: Comparing Coaching Records & Distinctions

Here, we compare some of their coaching records, accomplishments, and distinctions to understand where they align and diverge.

What Makes this Rivalry Special

• Overlap in Career Paths: Both have had success in college and NFL, leading to natural comparisons.

• Repeated Encounters: From Pac-10, to NFC West, now AFC West, they’ve met or overlapped frequently.

• Clashing Philosophies & Personalities: Their interactions, both respectful and prickly, give media fodder and fan interest.

• Big-Game Stakes: Many of their meetings have mattered—week-to-week, divisional, championship level.

Part VI: Looking Ahead

With the rivalry now re-ignited in the AFC West (Carroll with Raiders, Harbaugh with Chargers), we can expect:

• Regular, high-stakes divisional matchups

• Media attention and storylines (age, coaching legacies, building / rebuilding teams)

• Potential for playoff implications

• More of those colorful quotes and moments off the field

FAQs

Q1: How many times have Pete Carroll and Jim Harbaugh faced each other head-to-head?
A: In the college era, they met a few times (e.g. Stanford vs USC). In the NFL, when Harbaugh coached the 49ers and Carroll the Seahawks in the NFC West from 2011-2014, they met regularly (including the 2013 NFC Championship). As of 2025, with both in AFC West, they will meet again.

Q2: Which coach has more championships (college + NFL)?
A: Pete Carroll has won 2 national college championships (USC) and 1 NFL Super Bowl (Seahawks). Jim Harbaugh has 1 college national championship (Michigan) so far, and no Super Bowl win as head coach yet.

Q3: What are some of the defining moments in their rivalry?
A:

• Stanford’s upset of USC in 2007

• The 2009 Stanford 55-21 win and Carroll’s reaction

• The 2013 NFC Championship Game when Seahawks beat 49ers

• Their current matchups in the AFC West beginning in 2025

Q4: What teams have each coached (college + NFL)?

• Pete Carroll: New York Jets; New England Patriots; USC Trojans; Seattle Seahawks; Las Vegas Raiders.

• Jim Harbaugh: University of San Diego; Stanford University; San Francisco 49ers; University of Michigan; Los Angeles Chargers. Also earlier roles (QB coach, etc.).

Q5: How do their coaching styles differ?
A: Both are competitive and demand discipline. Carroll leans toward motivating, positivity, confidence, emphasizing culture and defense; Harbaugh is more intense, sometimes brash, with focus on mental toughness and turning around programs. The way they respond to in-game decisions, media, and pressure often differs.

Conclusion

The rivalry between Pete Carroll and Jim Harbaugh is one of the more fascinating stories in modern American football. It spans:

• Decades, beginning in the college ranks

• Multiple levels (college, NFL)

• Different contexts (Pac-10 / Pac-12, NFC West, now AFC West)

Both coaches have built impressive legacies in their own right. Carroll with his Super Bowl and national championship pedigree and Harbaugh with his program-building, championship at Michigan, and NFL successes. Their head-to-head battles have produced memorable moments, and with their rivalry now renewed in a divisional setting, there are many more chapters to come.