Carroll to Arizona Rumors Continue

It took only hours before the Pete Carroll to Arizona rumors were stirred up again. Following USC's 32-18 Rose Bowl victory over Michigan the L.A. Times printed an article claiming that this was quite possibly Carroll's final game with USC and perhaps his best yet. They indicated that while he says he's not leaving, the Cardinals remain a very real possibility.

"I'm here, I'm back, I have no plans to leave," Carroll said.

The Times had a good point following that quote as they said that is probably as realistic as the Cardinals public assurance they were not going to fire Dennis Green. The fact is that people always say things and truly believe them at the time, especially when they are emotionally attached. The same applies to Carroll but when the Cardinals approach him with a major offer and the chance to control a majority of decisions that may change.

The Cardinals also have a major bargaining tool; Matt Leinart. There is no secret that these two are very close and that they would love to be side-by-side once again. As a matter of fact Leinart even made it a point to attend yesterday's game and congratulate Carroll when it was over.

"This was awesome," said Matt Leinart, watching from the sidelines. "This was unbelievable."

Despite the constant "shoot downs" this rumor is not going away. It will continue until two things happen; one, the Cardinals hire a different coach or two, Pete Carroll is hired in Arizona.