After a remarkable 14 seasons leading the Seattle Seahawks, marked by consistent playoff contention and the franchise’s Super Bowl XLVIII victory, Pete Carroll’s tenure as head coach has come to an end. While the initial question on many fans’ minds is, did Pete Carroll retire in 2024?, the situation is more nuanced than a simple retirement.
In a statement released on Wednesday, team owner Jody Allen announced that the decision for Carroll to step down was reached “after thoughtful meetings and careful consideration for the best interest of the franchise.” Carroll, whose Seahawks concluded the 2023 season with a 9-8 record, narrowly missing the playoffs, will not be retiring in the traditional sense but will transition into an advisory role within the organization.
Pete Carroll’s Departure from the Seahawks Head Coaching Position
During an emotional farewell press conference, Carroll clarified the situation, stating that he and team ownership had “mutually agreed to set a new course.” However, he also admitted to having “competed pretty hard” to remain in his position as Seattle’s head coach, ultimately “going along with their intentions.” This sheds light on the fact that while presented as a mutual agreement, the decision for a coaching change was driven by the Seahawks organization.
Carroll emphasized that his post-season comments expressing his desire to continue coaching the team were sincere. “I want to make sure that that’s clear as things have shifted so quickly in most people’s perspective,” Carroll stated, underscoring the rapid change in circumstances. “It’s been an honor and a thrill to be part of this program and I’ve loved every minute of it. You’ve watched me love it.”
Despite the change, Carroll’s legacy in Seattle is undeniable. Hired in 2010, he became the winningest coach in Seahawks history and delivered the city its first Super Bowl title. His impact extends beyond wins and losses, as Allen acknowledged, “Pete is the winningest coach in Seahawks history, brought the city its first Super Bowl title, and created a tremendous impact over the past 14 years on the field and in the community. His expertise in leadership and building a championship culture will continue as an integral part of our organization moving forward.”
Not Retirement, But an Advisory Role and Openness to Future Coaching
When questioned about the possibility of pursuing another head coaching job, Carroll remained open, stating he “didn’t know” and that “today is about today.” This ambiguity suggests that while he is stepping away from the Seahawks’ head coaching role, he is not necessarily closing the door on coaching entirely in the future. Therefore, to definitively say Pete Carroll retired in 2024 would be inaccurate. He is transitioning roles, not necessarily ending his coaching career.
His advisory role with the Seahawks is still to be defined, but Carroll confirmed it would not involve assisting General Manager John Schneider in the search for his replacement. “We’re going to figure that out,” he said regarding his advisor role. “We don’t really know right now. But I’m grateful for the intention that the organization has to try to find something that makes sense. So we’ll see. I don’t know.”
Seahawks Begin Search for a New Head Coach
The Seahawks are now embarking on the search for a new head coach, with Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn emerging as a prominent candidate, according to ESPN sources. Quinn has a history with the Seahawks, serving as an assistant from 2009-2010 and defensive coordinator from 2013-2014, during the team’s Super Bowl XLVIII victory and subsequent Super Bowl XLIX appearance. The familiarity and Quinn’s successful past stint make him a logical choice for Seattle.
The Seahawks’ current coaching staff does not have any immediately apparent head-coaching candidates, and Carroll’s assistants have been granted permission to seek opportunities elsewhere, signaling a significant shift in the team’s leadership structure.
Pete Carroll’s Seahawks Legacy: Wins, Super Bowl, and Recent Struggles
Carroll’s 14-year tenure in Seattle was overwhelmingly successful. The Seahawks achieved a .606 winning percentage in regular-season games under his leadership, ranking sixth-best in the NFL during that period. They reached the playoffs 10 times, secured five NFC West titles, and of course, won Super Bowl XLVIII in dominant fashion.
However, recent seasons have seen a slight decline. While competitive, the Seahawks haven’t advanced beyond the divisional round since 2014 and have a 25-26 record since 2021. Carroll himself acknowledged a loss of “edge,” particularly in running the football and playing defense, which were hallmarks of his successful Seahawks teams. He noted, “We lost our edge really, the edge to be great, which was really how we ran the football and how we played defense. It wasn’t as good as it needed to be.”
Emotional Farewell and Pete Carroll’s Future Enthusiasm
Despite the circumstances of his departure, Carroll’s farewell press conference was characterized by a celebratory atmosphere. Music played as he entered, and team employees and players like Bobby Wagner and Geno Smith were present. Carroll expressed no bitterness, focusing instead on his gratitude for his time in Seattle and his excitement for the future.
He dismissed any notion of being worn out or tired, stating, “I’m freakin jacked, I’m fired up, I’m not tired, I’m not worn down. You guys tried your best, you didn’t wear me out.” This reinforces the idea that this is not a retirement due to fatigue or lack of passion, but rather a change initiated by the organization.
Carroll’s reference to his mentor Bud Grant, mentioning “rivers to wade, there’s waves to catch and there’s mountains to hike,” further emphasizes his forward-looking perspective and continued zest for challenges, even if not as the Seahawks head coach.
In conclusion, while Pete Carroll is stepping down as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks in 2024, it is not a traditional retirement. He is transitioning to an advisory role within the organization and has not ruled out future coaching opportunities. His departure marks the end of an era for the Seahawks and the beginning of a coaching search, but Carroll’s significant legacy in Seattle remains firmly intact.
