Seattle Seahawks fans knew this day was coming eventually. Coach Pete Carroll couldn't go on forever, even though 14 years of near-limitless ability for reinvention seemed to imply that he would.
However, Carroll's departure Wednesday took many in the Pacific Northwest and beyond by complete surprise. The Seahawks had gone 9-8 this year, nearly making a second straight postseason. Carroll continued to draw acclaim for his handling the team after the departure of quarterback Russell Wilson, who Seattle traded away in 2022.
In a statement, the Seahawks wrote that Carroll would “remain with the organization as an advisor.” It sounded like the type of farewell meant to allow a franchise icon a graceful exit.
