Pete Carroll Reportedly Turns Down Arkansas Razorbacks

As if the saga surrounding Bobby Petrino's firing as the head coach of Arkansas wasn't dramatic enough, a new wrinkle to the story has unfolded Wednesday evening, as the school reportedly reached out to—and was subsequently turned down by—Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.

If the report is in fact true—and we have nothing to dispute it at this point—then it's an indication of the lengths that the school is willing to reach to find a new leader for its embattled program.

Carroll left USC after the 2009 college football season to take over in Seattle and has shown no desire to return to the college ranks, where he experienced so much success and reestablished USC as one of the preeminent programs in nation.

That being said, his jump from USC to Seattle was an unexpected one, so it would figure that top college programs would at least test the waters when it comes to inquiring to Carroll about his long-term intentions.

Even at the age of 60, Carroll remains one of the most exuberant and excitable sideline personalities in all of football. That persona helped him dominate the recruiting landscape and produce countless pros during his time at USC.  

Arkansas continues to weigh a number of options to replace Petrino, with an interim promotion of a current coach on the staff amongst the possibilities. Other candidates mentioned in recent days include former Tennessee head coach Phillip Fullmer, current Arkansas State head coach Gus Malzahn and a host of other coaches with SEC ties.