Seahawks general manager John Schneider has spoken with the media alone before, but yesterday we saw him address reporters for the first time as the sole-leader of the team in the wake of Pete Carroll’s removal as head coach.
Here are eight interesting things tat Schneider had to say, from the head coaching search to the state of Seattle’s roster.
1
Schneider: Seahawks 'underachieved' in 2023
If you thought that the Seahawks finishing 9-8 was a disappointment given how much talent they have, Schneider agrees. Seattle’s GM told reporters the team underachieved this year and he’s looking to fix it.
John Schneider says the #Seahawks underachieved in 2023 and now he’s in the process of getting that fixed for 2024. John will lead the coaching search and he’ll have final personnel say regardless of who’s hired to replace Pete Carroll. https://t.co/QoO7NKxz72 pic.twitter.com/TZK2PP8tPl
— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) January 16, 2024
2
Schneider: Geno Smith had a 'good season'
One guy who was an exception to that rule was starting quarterback Geno Smith, who put together another top-10 worthy type of season. Schneider is not blaming Smith for the team’s issues, saying he had a good season.
John Schneider on Geno:
"Geno had a good season. It was a little bit opposite of last year. He started out real strong last year and things dipped a little bit the second half. This year he started out not quite as strong as last year and then finished in a real strong manner."
— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) January 16, 2024
3
Schneider on Seahawks' reputation: 'A really cool feeling'
Since Schneider moved up into the big chair, he’s been hearing from people around the league – and he’s pleased with the reputation the organizaion has.
"A really cool feeling."
John Schneider on our organization's reputation around the NFL. pic.twitter.com/rgKyAI1UdL
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) January 16, 2024
4
Schneider has not spoken with players yet
Since the news broke that the Seahawks were removing Pete Carroll as head coach, we haven’t heard from any current players on what they’re feeling. Apparently Schneider hasn’t spoken with them, either.
Schneider says he has not spoken with players. Main goal is to hire best coach to move things forward. #Seahawks pic.twitter.com/jwSc6dbaGM
— MazvitaMaraire (@MazvitaMaraire) January 16, 2024
5
Schneider: Seahawks coaching job 'very attractive'
Of the seven NFL teams that currently have a head coach opening, Seattle appears to be the best destination. While the Chargers have an argument thanks to Justin Herbert and a relatively strong but top-heavy roster, the Seahawks’ youth gives them an edge. Schneider says that’s what makes this a very attractive job.
John Schneider says he sees the #Seahawks as a young team “right on the cusp.” Adds the coaching job is “very attractive because of that.”
— John Boyle (@johnpboyle) January 16, 2024
6
Schneider will have final say on personnel
The power-sharing arrangement between Schneider and Pete Carroll is gone. Whoever comes in as the next coach will not have the same control Carroll did. Schneider says the coaching staff is now under his umbrella and he has final say on personnel matters.
John Schneider said the coaching staff will now fall under his umbrella, unlike in the past. Also will have final say on personnel.
— John Boyle (@johnpboyle) January 16, 2024
7
Schneider: Head coach interviews begin today
The first order of business for Schneider is to find Pete’s replacement. So far we have learned the team has sent out eight interview requests around the league, a mix of different offensive and defensive coordinators. Schneider says the interviews will begin today.
GM John Schneider says the #Seahawks intend to begin interviews for a new head coach tomorrow @thenewstribune pic.twitter.com/JPckny7bpm
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) January 16, 2024
8
Schneider: 'How are we going to evolve?'
Pete Carroll changed his schemes and coordinators several times, but the results did not change. Since 2017 this team has only won exactly one playoff game. Some teams would be happy with that, but Schneider says his focus is on finding a coach who can maintain the culture Carroll built but also help the team evolve and move to the next level.
John Schneider says two key factors in finding the next #Seahawks head coach are maintaining the culture established here, and “how are we going to evolve? Who’s going to help us move to the next level.”
— John Boyle (@johnpboyle) January 16, 2024
