Glena Goranson: All About Pete Carroll’s Wife and Their Family Life

Behind every successful sports figure, there is often a partner whose strength, love, and support play a vital role. For Pete Carroll, the longtime head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, that partner is his wife, Glena Goranson. While Pete’s career in football has been widely celebrated—most notably his 14 seasons leading the Seahawks and their first Super Bowl victory in 2014—Glena has been the steady presence beside him, sharing in the triumphs and challenges. Though she prefers to keep her life private, her story is an important part of understanding Pete Carroll’s personal and professional journey. This article explores the life of Glena Goranson, her marriage to Pete Carroll, their children, and the family values that continue to shape their legacy.

Quick Bio Information

Full Name: Glena Goranson
Year Of Birth: 1955
Age: 69 Years Old (As Of 2024)
Place Of Birth: San Francisco, California, United States
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: White
Religion: Christianity
Parents: Dean And Dolores Goranson
Siblings: Greta And Carla Becskehazy Goranson
Marital Status: Married
Husband: Pete Carroll (Married Since 1976)
Children: Brennan, Jaime, Nathan (Nate) Carroll
Height: 5’9” (180 cm)
Education: University Of The Pacific (Volleyball Player)

Who Is Glena Goranson?

Glena Goranson is widely recognized as Pete Carroll’s wife, but she is also a woman with her own story. Born in 1955 in San Francisco, California, Glena grew up in a close-knit family with her parents, Dean and Dolores Goranson, and two sisters, Greta and Carla. Over the years, she has been known for her grace and humility, preferring a life away from the spotlight despite her husband’s fame. She is not only admired as a supportive partner but also respected for her role as a mother and grandmother who has nurtured a family deeply rooted in sports, teamwork, and resilience.

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Early Life And Background

Glena spent her early years in California, where her upbringing emphasized family values and education. She attended the University of the Pacific, a place that would later change her life in more ways than one. At the university, she was an athlete, playing volleyball and embracing the competitive spirit that would ultimately connect her to Pete Carroll, who was also a student there at the time. These formative years shaped her character, preparing her for the journey of becoming the wife of a high-profile coach and the mother of three children who would also build careers in sports and leadership.

Meeting Pete Carroll: A Love Story That Started In College

The story of Glena and Pete Carroll began at the University of the Pacific, where they first crossed paths as young students. Their shared love of sports and similar outlooks on life brought them closer together. After spending years building their relationship, they decided to marry in 1976. Unlike many relationships tested by the pressures of professional sports, their marriage has endured for nearly five decades. Over the years, Glena has been Pete’s partner through every stage of his coaching career, from early struggles to the heights of Super Bowl success. Their story is one of lasting commitment, built on mutual respect and unwavering support.

Glena Goranson’s Role In Pete Carroll’s Career

While Pete Carroll’s name is often linked with victories and championships, Glena’s role in his journey cannot be overlooked. Pete himself has acknowledged how important she has been in his life, publicly referring to her as “the angel of my life.” During his final press conference with the Seattle Seahawks in early 2024, Pete became emotional while thanking Glena for standing by him through the highs and lows of his career. She has provided him with stability, encouragement, and perspective, helping him balance the immense pressures of coaching with the joys of family life. Her quiet influence has been one of the cornerstones of Pete Carroll’s success.

Pete Carroll’s Career Highlights

Pete Carroll is one of the most respected figures in football. Before joining the Seattle Seahawks in 2010, he coached the New England Patriots, New York Jets, and the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans, where he won two national championships. His time with the Seahawks marked the pinnacle of his career, guiding the team to their first Super Bowl title in 2014 against the Denver Broncos. Over 14 seasons, Carroll became known not only for his coaching strategies but also for his leadership style, which emphasized positivity and resilience. After stepping down as head coach in 2024, he transitioned into a role as team advisor, continuing to contribute to the sport he has devoted his life to.

Family Life: Glena And Pete Carroll’s Children

One of the most meaningful parts of Glena’s life has been raising a family with Pete Carroll. Together, they have three children—Brennan, Jaime, and Nathan “Nate”—all of whom have grown into successful adults, carrying forward their family’s love for sports and leadership. Each child has taken a unique path, but all reflect the values of hard work, teamwork, and determination that Glena and Pete instilled in them.

Brennan Carroll

Brennan Carroll, born on March 20, 1979, in Columbus, Ohio, is the eldest of the Carroll children. Like his father, Brennan pursued a career in football coaching. He began as a graduate assistant at the University of Pittsburgh before joining Pete at USC, where he coached tight ends. He later worked with the University of Miami and eventually joined the Seattle Seahawks as a coach. Since 2021, Brennan has served as the offensive coordinator for the Arizona Wildcats. He is married to Amber, and together they are raising three children, including their son, Dillon Brennan Carroll. Brennan’s career highlights the family tradition of excellence in football.

Jaime Carroll

Jaime Carroll, born in 1982 in Raleigh, North Carolina, is the couple’s only daughter. She studied at the University of Southern California, where she played volleyball for the Women of Troy. While she did not pursue athletics professionally, Jaime found her own path in business and leadership. She works as a content developer for Amplify Voice and co-founded Compete to Create in 2013, a company dedicated to helping leaders and organizations improve performance through mindset training. Her career demonstrates how the Carroll family influence extends beyond sports into the world of leadership and innovation.

Nathan “Nate” Carroll

Nathan Carroll, the youngest child, was born on March 24, 1987, in Edina, Minnesota. Like his father and brother, Nate has built his career in football coaching. He began as a personnel assistant in the Seattle Seahawks’ scouting department in 2010 and worked his way up to become a coach. Today, he serves as the senior offensive assistant for the Seahawks, continuing the family legacy in professional football. Nate’s career reflects the family’s deep connection to the game and the values of hard work and perseverance passed down by Glena and Pete.

Glena And Pete Carroll As Grandparents

Family life has always been at the center of Glena’s world, and this has only grown with the arrival of grandchildren. As of 2024, Pete revealed that they had at least seven grandchildren, with some sources noting the number may have increased since then. Known among them is Dillon Brennan Carroll, Brennan’s son. For Glena and Pete, grandparenthood has been another chapter of joy, allowing them to see the values they taught their children passed down to the next generation.

Glena Goranson’s Private Life

Unlike many spouses of high-profile figures, Glena Goranson has consistently chosen to live a private life. She does not seek publicity and rarely appears in the media, except at major events such as Super Bowl XLVIII or charity functions alongside Pete. This intentional choice to remain out of the limelight has allowed her to focus on family and personal priorities while still supporting her husband’s demanding career. Her quiet strength and low-profile lifestyle have made her an admired figure among those who appreciate the balance between family and public life.

Conclusion

Glena Goranson may not be a public figure in the traditional sense, but her influence and role in Pete Carroll’s life and career are undeniable. From their early days at the University of the Pacific to decades of marriage filled with both challenges and triumphs, Glena has remained a constant source of strength and love. Together with Pete, she has raised three accomplished children and now enjoys the joys of grandparenthood. Her story is a reminder that behind great achievements often stand partners who quietly shape the journey with dedication and care. Glena’s life, though private, is a powerful example of love, resilience, and family values that continue to inspire.

FAQs About Glena Goranson

Who Is Glena Goranson?
She is the wife of Pete Carroll, former head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, and a supportive partner who has been central to his personal and professional journey.

How Old Is Glena Goranson?
She was born in 1955, making her 69 years old as of 2024.

When Did Glena Goranson And Pete Carroll Get Married?
The couple married in 1976 after meeting at the University of the Pacific.

Does Glena Goranson Have Children?
Yes, she has three children: Brennan, Jaime, and Nathan Carroll.

What Do Pete Carroll’s Children Do?
Brennan and Nate are both football coaches, while Jaime works in business and leadership development.

How Many Grandchildren Do Glena And Pete Carroll Have?
Pete Carroll revealed in 2016 that they had six grandchildren, but by 2024, the number was reported as seven.

Was Pete Carroll Married Before Glena?
Yes, Pete Carroll was previously married to Wendy Pearl from 1973 to 1975, before marrying Glena in 1976.