NFL reporter believes Pete Carroll could coach again

After a 14-year run as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, Pete Carroll stunningly stepped aside earlier this week. While the 72-year-old seemed content with his decision, an NFL insider suggests he may still have the itch to lead a team. 

Appearing on the "Rich Eisen Show," Tom Pelissero of NFL Network said not to be surprised if Carroll jumps at the right opportunity. 

"If the right job is there. In a place that he wants to be. With a team he thinks has an opportunity to win right now," Pelissero said. "I would not be shocked if we see Pete Carroll on an NFL sideline again."

Following the announcement that he would step down from coaching duties and instead take on an advisory role with the team, Carroll sounded upbeat about the change. Furthermore, he downplayed the possibility of coaching again. 

Pellissero believes Carroll was showing an organization he loves the respect it deserved by bowing out gracefully. 

"To me, that was Pete walking a very fine line," Pellissero explained. "I thought it was the classiest most genuine goodbye from a really classy, genuine individual. But I did not read that as a goodbye from Pete Carroll to coaching."

Young at heart and as fiery as ever, it's not hard to see Carroll coming back on his terms. Though, this seems like the end of the road. 

In an age of stoic coaches who rarely show much in the way of personality, his enthusiasm has always stood out. Unsurprisingly, his attitude bled into his teams, turning the Seahawks franchise from an afterthought to a contender and Super Bowl Champion. 

If this is it for Carroll, he leaves with a legacy to be proud of. He is by far the winningest coach in Seahawks history (137 wins), boasting five NFC West Championships, two NFC titles and a Lombardi Trophy. He ranks 15th in NFL history for all-time wins.