When Russell Wilson's last-minute pass was intercepted on the goal line in Super Bowl XLIX, Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll knew what he was in for.
"Immediately — I mean, within the instant of the turnover — the gravity of what just happened I understood," Carroll told NBC News' Matt Lauer in an interview airing Thursday on TODAY. "And there's only a second or two before you stand up and start looking ahead and getting ready for what's coming."
More of Pete Carroll's interview with Matt Lauer will air Thursday morning on TODAY.
Carroll and his staff drew outrage and disbelief from many fans and foes alike for a play that seems to have lost Seattle the Super Bowl — a pass on second-and-goal at the 1-yard line. New England's Malcolm Butler darted in for an interception that sealed the championship for the Patriots, 28-24.
The Seahawks could have handed the ball off to Marshawn Lynch, one of the best running backs in the NFL, who one play earlier had barreled ahead for four of the last five yards they needed.
Carroll, 63, coached the Seahawks to a title in Super Bowl XLVIII. They had the chance to be the first repeat champions in 10 years.
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