LOS ANGELES — Twenty years ago next month, USC hired a twice-fired NFL coach named Pete Carroll.
For many Trojans fans and college football observers, it was not a popular choice.
"I've been an unpopular choice in the past," Carroll said during his introductory news conference on Dec. 15, 2000. "What it is, it's a challenge."
Two decades later, Carroll is regarded as one of the most successful coaches in college and pro football history. He won two national titles at USC and has won a Super Bowl championship with the Seattle Seahawks.
Carroll returns to Los Angeles on Sunday when the Seahawks (6-2) play the Rams (5-3) at SoFi Stadium.
Los Angeles Times staff writer Gary Klein spoke this week with Carroll about the last 20 years and what comes next. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
