Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, who has redefined the franchise since 2010, but has missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons, is not expected to return in 2024 as the team’s head coach. This per a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who also reported that Carroll may still be part of the organization in some form or fashion. Carroll has also been the team’s Executive Vice President.
Every year after the season, Carroll meets with team owner/chairperson Jody Allen, and it was at that time that the decision was made. It was likely a surprise to Carroll, give his comments as the regular season came to a close.
Pete Carroll, asked if he expects to be back next season says “I do.” Then adds “at this point I do,”. pic.twitter.com/j5DLliSAPA
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) January 8, 2024
Initial reports from Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network indicate that Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who was Seattle’s defensive coordinator in 2013 and 2014, and the team’s assistant head coach and defensive line coach in 2009 and 2010, could be a prime candidate to replace Carroll.
Carroll has said that his team played better in 2023 than they did in 2022, when they did make the playoffs. That was true to a point on offense, but Seattle’s run defense was an embarrassment, and given Carroll’s status as a legendary defensive mind, that wasn’t the best look.
Statement from Jody Allen – Chair, Seattle Seahawks pic.twitter.com/RNUZvF6Vgp
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) January 10, 2024
Over the last two seasons, Carroll and general manager John Schneider made adroit draft picks and trades after a five-season stretch in which things did not go well. The trade of Russell Wilson to the Broncos was a masterstroke, but it was offset to a great degree by the awful trade for defensive back Jamal Adams, which cost Seattle two first-round picks. That refocus has brought a lot of young talent back to the roster after a long stretch of mistakes, and this is one of the more attractive jobs in the NFL based on those factors.
Carroll finishes his career as Seattle’s head coach with a 137-89-1 regular-season record, and a 10-9 postseason record, including a win in Super Bowl XLVIII, and a near win in Super Bowl XLIX.
