As the Bears continue their coaching search, here is one option: a head coach with a winning record in 13 of 18 seasons, 11 playoff wins and a Super Bowl ring.

Pete Carroll, who left the Seahawks after the 2023 season, is interested in returning to coach at age 73 and has expressed interest in the Bears, ESPN reported Wednesday.

While the Bears likely won’t find a more accomplished candidate than Carroll, the early favorites for the job are Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Carroll is a defensive-minded coach, but his experience could make up for that. As head coach of the Seahawks and Patriots, he directed a top-10 offense nine times.

Carroll started in the NFL in 1984 as the Bills’ defensive line coach. He was head coach of the Jets in 1994, coached the Patriots from 1997 to 1999 and the Seahawks from 2010 to 1923. He also had final say on the personnel in Seattle, which could be a difficult negotiation with the Bears since President Kevin Warren has publicly supported general manager Ryan Poles.

“I could practice tomorrow,” Carroll told Seattle radio station KJR 93.3 in August. “Physically, I’m in the best shape I’ve been in for a long time. I am willing to do all the activities…but I don’t feel like doing it at this point.”

The Bears host Carroll’s former team, the Seahawks, on Thursday. The Bears are 4-11 while the Seahawks are 8-7 and fighting for a playoff spot.