Pete Carroll is out as head coach of Seahawks in shocking move
Carroll is the winningest head coach in Seahawks history, with a 137-89-1 record
No one saw this one coming.
The Seattle Seahawks parted ways with Pete Carroll as their head coach Wednesday after he spent nearly 15 years in the role.
Team owner Jody Allen released a statement announcing that Carroll wasn't fired, but his role is "evolving" from head coach to adviser.
"After thoughtful meetings and careful consideration for the best interest of the franchise, we have amicably agreed with Pete Carroll that his role will evolve from head coach to remain with the organization as an advisor.
"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.
"His expertise in leadership and building a championship culture will continue as an integral part of our organization moving forward.
"Pete will always be a beloved member of the Seahawks family."
In an emotional news conference following the announcement, Carroll told reporters Wednesday, "It's always been about the fun" while lauding the players he coached. He said his greatest moment as Seahawks coach was finding his wife, Glena, on the victory stage in New Jersey after his team defeated the Denver Broncos in 2014.
Seattle hired Carroll away from USC in 2010, which began the most successful era in Seahawks history. Two years after Carroll took over the then-34-year-old franchise, the Seahawks drafted quarterback Russell Wilson, and the good times really got going. Two years after that, Carroll and Wilson were holding the Lombardi Trophy, having led the team to its first Super Bowl championship. Wilson was traded to the Broncos before the 2022 season, but Carroll kept his job (at the time).
"It's been an honor and a thrill to be a part of this program. I've loved every minute of it and you've watched me love it."
An emotional Pete Carroll speaks on his time as HC in Seattle.
(via @Seahawks)pic.twitter.com/xbGgBG5ITA— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) January 10, 2024
In his 14 years as head coach, Carroll wasn't able to win a second Super Bowl (the Seahawks lost the big one to the New England Patriots in the 2014 season) but made nine overall trips to the playoffs. He has a 137-89-1 record and is the winningest head coach in Seahawks history by a huge margin (the second place coach, Mike Holmgren, has 51 fewer wins than Carroll).
That Carroll stayed afloat through the Wilson upheaval is a testament to his staying power and influence within the organization. To put the whipped cream and cherry on top of that sundae, the 2022 Seahawks surprised the entire NFL by turning journeyman backup Geno Smith into a starting quarterback and reaching the playoffs.
The 2023 season wasn't as kind. Seattle ended with the same 9-8 record as in 2022 but missed the playoffs, leaving a bunch of missed chances and unrealized potential in its wake. The Seahawks struggled behind Smith, who himself struggled with injuries.
