ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports the Seattle Seahawks are strongly considering Southern California head coach Pete Carroll for their head coaching position. There is mutual interest on both sides, and many people are saying it would be a surprise if Carroll did not join the Seahawks.

Five reasons why this could be true (after the jump).

***EDITOR’S UPDATE*** Scott Wolf is reporting “Carroll agreed to a five-year deal with the Seahawks with the only question how much power he would have in the organization.”

1- The announcement of the basketball program going on NCAA probation is a strong precursor that the NCAA is ready to announce that sanctions will be coming towards the football program. Carroll has been adamant to people around him that any type of probation to the football team would give him a strong desire to leave.

2- He would have personnel control in Seattle. The sticking point with other NFL jobs was he would not have full control and Seattle seems to be willing to give him the final say on personnel decisions. He also knows the CEO Todd Leiweke well and would feel comfortable in Seattle. Carroll met with Leiweke in the past few days. Also, why would Seattle fire a coach after one season without an ace in the backpocket? Also, Paul Allen is the perfect owner to coach under. He wants to win and has all the money in the world along with two first round picks in the draft next year.

3- Carroll is a big time competitor. He has always wanted a shot at the NFL under the right circumstances to prove he can win at both levels. Whether it is the right decision or not, it is something that burns in his gut.

4- Carroll is not a USC lifer. He is a football coach first.

5- Chris Mortenson from ESPN is really good with his sources.