A prominent USC source close to the athletic department said Friday that Carroll joining the Seahawks was "going down."

Members of Seattle's coaching staff, source said, also were informed Friday afternoon that the franchise now will hire a head coach before hiring a general manager, which also is consistent with Carroll's prior statements about considering any return to the NFL. ...

Said another source close to Carroll: "You're about to see a big headline that shakes up the major college football world," in reference to the Seahawks' development. The Seahawks did not confirm but also did not deny that Carroll is a leading candidate to become coach.