Pete Carroll, who led USC to seven Pacific 10 Conference titles and two national championships, will resign his position at the university and accept the coaching job with the Seattle Seahawks.

Trojans players and coaches learned of the news via text message from an assistant coach, The Times' Gary Klein has learned.

Seahawks chief executive officer Tod Leiweke was in town on Sunday to finalize the deal. Carroll will take over as coach while the organization begins its search for a new general manager.

Carroll amassed a record of 97-19 in nine seasons at USC. The Trojans won national titles in 2003 (Associated Press) and 2004 (Bowl Championship Series). They finished 9-4 this season and won the Emerald Bowl, their first appearance in a non-BCS bowl in eight years.

-- Dan Loumena

Photo: Pete Carroll. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times