USC head coach Pete Carroll has returned the football program to national prominence. His 88-15 record in eight years with the Trojans amounts to the best
winning percentage of any current Division I coach and includes two National Championships.
Get to know the energetic and charismatic Carroll with Coach Insider.
With USC’s success under your tenure, how do you keep your players humbled and prepared for each game?
The competition embedded in our program instills humility. There’s always someone ready to take your spot through hard work. Players know
they can take nothing for granted and must respect every practice, every opponent.
What coach did you most admire growing up and why?
My high school coach, Bob Troppman. He helped instill in me a lot of the coaching values I carry today.
Tell us about a favorite charity that you support.
A Better L.A. It’s a program in which I am heavily involved that is supported by all facets of the city. The goal is to provide positive activities
and opportunities for kids in the Los Angeles community as alternatives to a life in gangs. Please visit the site at
www.abetterla.org. There is a
lot of work to be done but we are proud of our accomplishments so far.
Can you enjoy watching another football team play or are you constantly analyzing strategy?
Yes I can enjoy watching another team play and yes I am constantly analyzing strategy.
If you could add any collegiate head coach to your staff, who would it be and why?
Boise State Head Coach Chris Petersen
How do you incorporate the philosophy of “winning the right way” with your team?
It’s something we talk about every day. Be it our work ethic in the classroom, devotion in the weight room or film room, effort in
practice and the support of a teammate. We want to Win Forever, but do it the right way.
If you were evaluating game film of yourself as a high school senior, would that player be recruited to play for your program today?
No, I didn’t grow until after high school. I was pretty good in JC, but wasn’t ready in high school.
What TV shows would we find stored on your TiVo?
24.
Aside from the Coliseum, what is your favorite place on campus?
The South Gym.
Will Ferrell has made a few memorable appearances as an assistant coach at USC. Would you ever consider doing a cameo in one of his films?
I don’t think he could afford me. And I’d probably be too temperamental for the set.
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