Back in December, when we raised the possibility that Pete Carroll could bump into the Seattle Seahawks’ front office and Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn could be the first in line to take over, a handful of folks in the coaching industry provided some food for thought. In essence: That makes sense and is the most logical solution, but let’s at least think about it for a second.
Now that the time is here—Carroll is stepping away from the head coaching seat at age 72 after 14 years—the Seahawks have to not only consider the continuation of the culture that they’ve installed and maintained, but what the NFC West has become. In reference to that second point: Is a defensive head coach who would cycle through offensive coordinators every few years the sensible answer, even if Quinn is one of the most devout Carroll disciples in the NFL?
Since Carroll brought the city its lone championship, winning Super Bowl XLVIII, 43–8, over the Denver Broncos in 2014, no team has seen the division around it change complexion like the Seahawks have. A decade ago, a thumping defense was the backbone of a championship roster, and the Seahawks could run through anyone and shut down everyone.
