Two legendary coaches, one unforgettable rematch. Nearly 21 years after their iconic clash in the 2006 Rose Bowl, Mack Brown and Pete Carroll are set to face off once again—this time as head coaches for the 2027 adidas Polynesian Bowl.
Back on January 4, 2006, Brown’s Texas Longhorns stunned Carroll’s top-ranked USC Trojans in the final seconds, ending a 34-game winning streak and capturing the BCS National Championship. Now, more than two decades later and 2,500 miles from that historic Pasadena night, the two coaching titans will reunite on opposing sidelines in Honolulu, Hawai‘i.
The adidas Polynesian Bowl is an annual all-star game that brings together 100 of the nation’s top junior and senior high school football players. Benefiting Shriners Children’s, the event celebrates athletic excellence and Polynesian culture in a setting that’s as inspiring as it is competitive.
Brown will lead TEAM MAUKA (Hawaiian for “mountain”). A College Football Hall of Famer inducted in 2018, his career spans decades of success at the highest levels. At the University of Texas, he guided the Longhorns to a national title in 2005 and became one of the winningest coaches in program history. He also led North Carolina across two stints, taking the Tar Heels to multiple bowl games.
“I’m truly excited to be part of the adidas Polynesian Bowl,” Brown said. “I’ve always believed in the power of the game to bring people together, and I look forward to sharing in these athletes’ journey—an experience they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives.”
Carroll will coach TEAM MAKAI (Hawaiian for “ocean”). Known for his boundless energy and championship pedigree, Carroll led USC to two national championships before taking the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory. His ability to connect with players and build winning cultures has made him one of football’s most respected figures.
“It’s an incredible honor to be part of the adidas Polynesian Bowl,” Carroll said. “This game celebrates the very best of high school football and the rich traditions of Polynesian culture. I can’t wait to get to work with these talented young men.”
For fans of the game, this coaching matchup is more than a trip down memory lane—it’s a chance to see two Hall of Fame minds shape the next generation of stars. Whether you’re rooting for the mountain or the ocean, one thing is certain: the 2027 Polynesian Bowl will be a can’t-miss event.