Breaking News: Carroll is Out as Seahawks Head Coach

This one was an absolute shocker that left everyone speechless.

The Seattle Seahawks have made the difficult decision to part ways with Pete Carroll as their head coach Wednesday after nearly a decade and a half at the helm..

Team owner Jody Allen put out a statement announcing that Carroll was not 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.”

Carroll was hired away from college football and USC by Seattle in 2010, which started the most successful era in Seahawks history.
Just two seasons after Carroll took over the reins of the then-34-year-old franchise, the Seahawks drafted quarterback Russell Wilson out of Wisconsin and the good times rolled seamlessly after that. Two years after that, Carroll and Wilson were hoisting the coveted Lombardi Trophy, having led the franchise to its inaugural Super Bowl championship over the Denver Broncos. In an ironic turn of events, Wilson was eventually traded to the Broncos prior to the 2022 campaign, but Carroll remained on the job, at the time.

Over his 14 years as head coach, Carroll was not able to win a second Super Bowl, however he came within an eyelash; the Seahawks lost the big one to the New England Patriots on a controversial play in the 2014 season, but made an incredible nine appearances overall to the playoffs. He has a 137-89-1 record and is the winningest head coach in Seahawks history by a wide margin. The second place coach, Mike Holmgren, has 51 fewer wins than Carroll, at 86.

The fact that Carroll stayed relevant through the Wilson saga is an indication of his staying power and influence within the organization. And to put the icing on the cake, the 2022 Seahawks stunned the entire NFL world by turning veteran journeyman backup Geno Smith into a starting quarterback and qualifying for the playoffs.

The 2023 season was not as favorable although they got off to a 6-3 start. Seattle ended with the same 9-8 record as in 2022, but this time around, missed the postseason, letting a number of missed opportunities and unrealized potential slip right through their fingers. The Seahawks struggled behind Smith, who himself struggled to say on the field and stay healthy with elbow and groin injuries.

The Seahawks were Carroll’s third, and by far most fulfilling stop as an NFL coach. He lasted one long season with the New York Jets, who went 6-10 in 1994, and was dismissed by the New England Patriots after three seasons, posting a record of 27-21 with two playoff berths.

Along with Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer, Carroll is one of only three coaches to win both a college national championship and a Super Bowl.