In a move that very few people saw coming, Pete Carroll is OUT as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks.
After 14 largely successful seasons in charge, Carroll will be reportedly transitioning to an advisory role within the organization.
“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,” owner Jody Allen said.
“His expertise in leadership and building a championship culture will continue as an integral part of our organization moving forward.”
Pete Carroll's tenure as head coach of the Seahawks:
– 14 seasons
– Super Bowl XLVIII Champion
– Winning record in 11 of 14 seasons as head coach
– 137 wins & .606 win pct are both highest in Seahawks franchise history
– 10 playoff wins since 2010 (T-3rd in the NFL among head… pic.twitter.com/8uKjDVX9yB— NFL (@NFL) January 10, 2024
The decision certainly comes as a surprise, especially considering Carroll’s recent statements indicating his intention to return as the head coach for the 2024 season.
In a postgame news conference on Sunday and a radio interview on Monday, Carroll affirmed his commitment (and plan) to remain in charge going forward.
“I plan to be coaching this team,” Carroll told Seattle Sports 710 AM. “I told you that I love these guys, and that’s what I would like to be doing and see how far I can go. I’m not worn out. I’m not tired. I’m not any of that stuff.”
“I need to do a better job and I need to help my coaches more and we need to do a better job of coaching, and there’s a lot of area for improvement.”
Asked what he'd do if the right head coaching job came along, Carroll says it's too soon to talk about that. So, not slamming the door at a time Carroll is making clear he still wanted to and believes he can coach.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 10, 2024
The Seahawks concluded their 2023 season with a 9-8 record, securing a victory over the Arizona Cardinals but falling short of a wild-card berth.
The team’s second-half struggles, including a four-game losing streak, ultimately led to their playoff hopes being dashed.
Pete Carroll sounds like someone still interested in coaching…. pic.twitter.com/ZxrtOuxM3k
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 10, 2024
With Carroll’s departure, attention turns to potential successors. Multiple reports have indicated that the Seahawks are likely to show interest in Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who previously served as a Seahawks assistant and defensive coordinator.
The 72-year-old Carroll leaves the Seahawks with a record of 137-89-1, making him the winningest coach in the franchise’s history.
His tenure included 10 playoff appearances and a massive victory in Super Bowl XLVIII, where the Seahawks dominated Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos 43-8.
When my kids ask:
“Dad, how good was Pete Carroll?” pic.twitter.com/mzTwnbHkEH
— Sports ON Tap Seattle (@SeattleONTap) January 10, 2024
General manager John Schneider, who arrived with Carroll in 2010, now stands alone as the highest-ranking member of the Seahawks football operations department.
The team faces a pivotal moment as they seek a new head coach to guide them into the future … Needless to say, Carroll leaves large shoes to fill.
My favorite Pete Carroll clip of all-time. We get to see a rare glimpse behind the curtain of Pete coaching up Earl Thomas in his third NFL start. Two of the best to ever do it pic.twitter.com/jguJJNFagB
— Parker (@ParkerLewisNFL) January 10, 2024
If Carroll wishes to continue coaching, multiple teams figure to be interested, despite his old age … After all, Carroll looks and acts much younger than his birth certificate would indicate.
One team to keep an eye on is the Los Angeles Chargers … Imagine Carroll back in LA with Justin Herbert as his quarterback???
Pete Carroll is only coach from California who has won a college national title & Super Bowl. Always enjoyed his enthusiasm & it looks like he still has it despite now being out at Seattle.
Chargers should consider. Owners from Stockton family & Pete went to college in Stockton.— Cal-Hi Sports (@CalHiSports) January 10, 2024
What are your thoughts on the Seahawks forcing Carroll out as head coach?
Do you think he should stay put in his new advisory role? … Or is he better suited to pursue another coaching job? … With who?
Who would you rather have as your head coach – Carroll, Bill Belichick or Jim Harbaugh???
Pete Carroll enjoying all the farewell fanfare until Saban came through pic.twitter.com/HFPAHo3l1F
— Not Robert Griffin (@Pseudo_RGIII) January 10, 2024