Super Bowl 49: Whose legacy will be most affected?

Apr. 2, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the Super Bowl champions ring on the hand of Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians during a press conference to announce the signing of quarterback Carson Palmer (not pictured) at the Cardinals practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (left) and head coach Pete Carroll celebrate on the podium following the victory over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 28-22 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Pete Carroll Has His Own Opportunity To Achieve Immortality

Positive Legacy Prospects:

We’ve already examined Pete Carroll’s coaching history. Now let’s speculate about how he’ll be remembered.

Carroll is only the third coach to win both a College National Championship and a Super Bowl. Yes, a college championship has been vacated, but it happened – we all watched it happen. If Seattle wins Super Bowl XLIX, Carroll becomes the seventh coach to win back to back Super Bowls – joining, among others, Bill Belichick.

Pete Carroll was left on the scrap heap of failed coaches 15 years ago. Last year’s Super Bowl win was the ultimate redemption. Winning a second straight puts Carroll into the discussion of best coaches of his generation.

Negative Legacy Prospects:

A loss will allow doubts to creep in. It was the defense that won it. Carroll is more a CEO than a football coach. He was lucky to draft Russell Wilson. He’s expendable.

Next: Beast Mode: Key Cog, Or Fungible Asset?

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