Pete Carroll and Mack Brown Named Head Coaches for 2027 adidas Polynesian Bowl

(May 7, 2026) – The adidas Polynesian Bowl announced today that Mack Brown and Pete Carroll have been selected as head coaches for the 2027 game. The adidas Polynesian Bowl, benefiting Shriners Children’s, is an annual all-star game played in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, featuring 100 of the nation’s top-ranked junior and senior high school football players.

Mack Brown will serve as head coach for TEAM MAUKA (Hawaiian word for mountain). His career spans decades and is marked by great success at the highest level. At the University of Texas, he led the Longhorns to a national championship in 2005 and became one of the winningest coaches in program history. Coach Brown also served as head coach at North Carolina, guiding the Tar Heels to multiple bowl appearances across two separate stints. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2018.

“I’m truly excited to be part of the adidas Polynesian Bowl. 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,” said Mack Brown.

Pete Carroll will serve as head coach for TEAM MAKAI (Hawaiian word for ocean). He is one of football’s most accomplished and energetic coaches, known for his success at both the collegiate and professional levels. Coach Carroll served as head coach at the University of Southern California (USC) from 2001 to 2009, leading the Trojans to two national championships. He later became head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, guiding the team to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory and multiple playoff appearances.

“It’s an incredible honor to be part of the adidas Polynesian Bowl and to serve as a head coach. The Polynesian community has given so much to football at every level. This event is about more than football—it’s about celebrating culture, family, and the tremendous talent of these young men,” said Pete Carroll.

This marks the first meeting between coaches Brown and Carroll since the 2006 BCS National Championship nearly two decades ago.

Past adidas Polynesian Bowl Head Coaches

June Jones, Dick Tomey (2017)

Terry Donahue, Dick Vermeil (2018)

Mike Bellotti, Jim Zorn (2019)

Frank Beamer, Steve Spurrier (2020)

June Jones, Doug Williams (2022)

Romeo Crennel, Mark Richt (2023)

Marvin Lewis, Mike Zimmer (2024)

Jim Caldwell, Gary Kubiak (2025)

Doug Pederson, Mike Singletary (2026)

“Having Mack Brown and Pete Carroll lead the adidas Polynesian Bowl is truly special. They are legendary leaders who reflect the values of our game and our community, and we’re proud to have them help guide these young men,” said Jesse Sapolu, Chairman of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame.

About the adidas Polynesian Bowl

The adidas Polynesian Bowl, benefiting Shriners Children’s, is the premier high school football all-star game played annually in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. The game features 100 of the nation’s top-ranked high school juniors and seniors of Polynesian and non-Polynesian ancestry alike. Past MVPs include A.J. Epenesa, Puka Nacua, and Travis Hunter. The game is broadcast live in primetime on NFL Network. For more information, visit PolynesianBowl.com.

About the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame

The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, a non-profit organization, honors Polynesia’s greatest players, coaches, and contributors. Its permanent home is located at the Polynesian Cultural Center and was established in 2013 by Super Bowl champions Jesse Sapolu and Ma‘a Tanuvasa. There are currently 54 inductees. For more information, visit PolynesianFootballHOF.org.