The Seattle Seahawks, in a move signaling a significant shift, have parted ways with head coach Pete Carroll after an impactful 14-season tenure. This decision marks the conclusion of the most successful era in the franchise’s history, a period highlighted by Super Bowl XLVIII victory and consistent competitiveness. Over the past nine seasons, the Seahawks have been actively striving to recapture their championship glory, engaging in high-profile trades, substantial free-agent acquisitions, and numerous coaching staff adjustments. They even navigated the departure of their long-time quarterback, Russell Wilson. However, the announcement regarding Pete Carroll signals the most monumental change yet. Let’s delve into the key questions surrounding Pete Carroll’s departure from the Seahawks and explore the team’s future direction.
The Timing and Nature of Pete Carroll’s Seahawks Exit
The question on everyone’s mind is: Was Pete Carroll Fired From Seahawks unexpectedly? While Carroll’s departure might seem sudden, especially considering his expressed desire to continue coaching, it’s crucial to understand the context. In his press conference addressing the change, Carroll mentioned, “I competed pretty hard to be the coach … I went along with their intentions,” indicating that the decision originated from Seahawks ownership, specifically Jody Allen, rather than himself. This aligns with his postgame and subsequent Monday statements where he affirmed his commitment to coaching the Seahawks.
Jody Allen’s official statement cited the move as being “in the best interest of the organization,” alluding to a sense of stagnation that had enveloped the Seahawks. Despite consistent playoff appearances – six times since their Super Bowl XLVIII win – the team has been unable to advance beyond the divisional round. Carroll himself, in a radio appearance earlier in the week, optimistically suggested the Seahawks were closer to Super Bowl contention than the previous year, despite mirroring a 9-8 season finish. However, this optimism wasn’t reflected in the team’s on-field performance. Defensive performance declined, and the offense struggled to meet expectations. The Seahawks’ 25-27 record over the last three seasons, punctuated by a wild-card loss in their sole playoff appearance during that span, paints a picture of a team caught in mediocrity.
Pete Carroll’s Next Chapter: Advisor or Coaching Comeback?
The immediate future for Pete Carroll is shrouded in some uncertainty. While Jody Allen stated Carroll would remain with the Seahawks in an advisory role, Carroll himself acknowledged the specifics of this position were still undefined. The ambiguity, coupled with Carroll’s clear wish to remain head coach, suggests the “advisor” title might be a way for the Seahawks to honor Carroll’s legacy with a dignified exit.
At 72, Carroll has consistently displayed remarkable energy and passion for coaching, showing no signs of slowing down. During his press conference, he emphatically declared himself “freakin’ jacked” and far from burnt out. This raises the intriguing possibility of whether Carroll might consider coaching opportunities with other NFL teams if a suitable situation arises. When directly asked about this, Carroll responded, “We’ll have to wait and see… Today’s about today. I don’t know that.”
One aspect of Carroll’s advisor role was clarified: he will not be involved in the search for his successor alongside general manager John Schneider. Historically, Carroll played a key role in hiring Schneider in 2010 and held final authority over personnel decisions. Now, Schneider assumes the position of power within Seattle’s front office.
Potential Candidates to Replace Pete Carroll as Seahawks Head Coach
The Seahawks’ search for a new head coach is already underway, and several names are emerging as potential candidates. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is expected to be on the Seahawks’ list. Quinn is a logical candidate, particularly given the ongoing speculation about Carroll’s future in recent years. His connection to John Schneider is a significant factor, stemming from two previous stints with the Seahawks coaching staff, including roles as defensive line coach (2009-10) and defensive coordinator (2013-14). Notably, Quinn was the defensive coordinator during Seattle’s Super Bowl XLVIII victory and subsequent Super Bowl XLIX appearance, leading one of the most dominant defensive units in NFL history.
The decline of the Seahawks’ defense since Quinn’s departure is arguably a primary catalyst for the current coaching change. In 2023, the Seahawks’ defense ranked 25th in points allowed and a concerning 30th in yards allowed, highlighting the urgent need for improvement on that side of the ball.
Immediate Priorities for the New Seahawks Head Coach
Upon hiring a new head coach, several critical decisions will need to be made swiftly. The status of current offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt will be among the first considerations. Their positions appear precarious given the Seahawks’ underperformance on both offense and defense throughout the recent season.
A major defensive focus for the Seahawks in the past season was to improve their run defense, after ranking 30th in 2022 (allowing 150.2 rushing yards per game). However, despite initial improvements, the run defense regressed, ultimately finishing 31st (allowing 138.4 rushing yards per game). Offensively, the Seahawks ranked 18th in scoring (20.2 points per game) and 21st in total yards (322.9 yards per game). Their persistent struggles on third down also continued to plague the team.
It is common practice for new head coaches to bring in their own coaching staff, including coordinators. Considering the recent performance metrics of both Hurtt and Waldron, their chances of remaining with the Seahawks under new leadership appear slim.
Geno Smith’s Future in Seattle Post-Carroll
The quarterback position is always a central point of focus, and for the Seahawks, the future of Geno Smith is a pressing matter. Smith’s 2023 season was marked by inconsistency, with statistical regression from his Pro Bowl year in 2022. However, it’s also important to acknowledge the challenges he faced, including offensive line issues and injuries. Ultimately, Smith finished 13th in QBR (60).
A key date looms for Smith’s contract: February 16th. His $12.7 million base salary for the upcoming season becomes fully guaranteed if he remains on the roster past this date. This effectively sets a deadline for John Schneider and the incoming head coach to determine Smith’s future with the Seahawks. Backup quarterback Drew Lock is set to become a free agent, and the Seahawks hold the 16th overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, adding further complexity to the quarterback situation.
Another significant player facing free agency is linebacker Bobby Wagner. Wagner’s return to the Seahawks last offseason was reportedly at Pete Carroll’s urging. Carroll’s departure raises questions about whether Wagner, arguably the franchise’s greatest defensive player, will return in 2024 without Carroll at the helm. The Seahawks are entering a period of significant transition, and the answers to these key questions will shape the team’s direction for years to come as they navigate the post-Pete Carroll era.
