In a surprising turn of events, the Seattle Seahawks joined the long list of NFL teams looking for a new head coach. The franchise announced on Wednesday that they mutually parted ways with longtime head coach Pete Carroll.
According to the Seahawks’ announcement, Carroll will remain with the franchise, moving to an advisory role.
“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,” said Seahawks’ owner Joy Allen in a statement. “His expertise in leadership and building a championship culture will continue as an integral part of our organization moving forward.”
Speaking with reporters after the news became official, Carroll indicated that the decision to step down as Seahawks’ head coach wasn’t entirely his. He said that the ownership wanted to go in a different direction and that he reluctantly agreed, while adding that his end-of-the-season comments about wanting to continue coaching in Seattle were true.
“I want to make sure that that’s clear as things have shifted so quickly in most people’s perspective,” Carroll said. “It’s been an honor and a thrill to be part of this program, and I’ve loved every minute of it. You’ve watched me love it.”
Carroll also added that he doesn’t know what kind of role he’ll have with the Seahawks moving forward while side-stepping the question about whether he would be open to another head coaching job elsewhere.
Pete Carroll was hired as the Seattle Seahawks head coach ahead of the 2010 NFL season. He brought the franchise to its first Super Bowl trophy in the 2013 season and led the Seahawks to another Super Bowl appearance the following year. Carroll compiled a 137-89-1 regular season head coaching record in Seattle and went 10-9 in the postseason. The Seahawks made the playoffs 10 times under Carroll.
