The NFL has delivered its first stunner of the offseason.
The Seahawks announced on Wednesday that Pete Carroll and the team have "amicably agreed" to change his role from head coach of the team to an advisor role.
The switch ends Carroll's 14-year run as the head coach in Seattle.
Statement from Jody Allen - Chair, Seattle Seahawks pic.twitter.com/RNUZvF6Vgp
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) January 10, 2024
Carroll, 72, had been the oldest head coach in the league for quite a while. There were rumblings about a potential retirement, however, Carroll shot those down after the season finale, stating his intent to return in 2024.
That has since changed, with the Seahawks becoming the latest team in need of a new head coach. The move comes after Seattle went 9-8, losing out on the tiebreaker to Green Bay for the final wild-card spot in the NFC.
Carroll ends his career as the Seahawks head coach with a Super Bowl win, two Super Bowl appearances, 10 playoff appearances and 11 winning seasons.
Here is more on why Carroll was fired by the Seahawks:
Why did the Seahawks fire Pete Carroll?
Seattle chair Jody Allen released a statement on Wednesday, giving a brief insight on the decision to "evolve" Carroll's role as Seahawks head coach into an advisor.
"After thorough 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 going forward.
"Pete will always be a beloved member of the Seahawks family."
Carroll held an emotional press conference later in the day on Wednesday, fighting through tears as he addressed his time as the Seahawks head coach.
Pete Carroll's opening statement. pic.twitter.com/aSYidlAMK7
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) January 10, 2024
"Since our last game, I had a couple chances to talk and share my feelings about the team and the organization and representing the 12 and my intention with staying with the 'Hawks," Carroll said. "I want to make sure that that's clear, as things have shifted so quickly in most people's perspective.
"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, in particular. It's exciting that there's such a future here and you can see it. We know it's happening and it's bright and the club has got great places to go, great chances. It won't ever happen automatically, there's a lot work to be done, but the future is bright."
Pete Carroll breaks down in his loving thank you to his wife, Glena, and their children, as his exits as now-former #Seahawks coach @thenewstribune pic.twitter.com/glI47k69XP
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) January 10, 2024
Carroll had been tied to retirement rumors as the 2023 regular season came to a close, however, the coach had previously stated that he expected to come back in 2024 for a 15th season.
"I plan to be coaching this team," Carroll said on his Seattle Sports 710 AM radio show a day after the Seahawks' season ended. "I told you that I love these guys and that's what I would like to be doing and see how far I can go. I'm not worn out. I'm not tired. I'm not any of that stuff. I need to do a better job and I need to help my coaches more and we need to do a better job of coaching, and there's a lot of area for improvement."
Obviously, that has since changed. While it's unclear if Carroll is retiring from coaching altogether, it doesn't appear that he will be holding a head coaching position for the 2024 season.
Who will replace Pete Carroll in Seattle?
Since Carroll's role with the Seahawks did not seem to be in jeopardy before the news, there weren't many names attached to Seattle. However, a number of notable personnel have since been tied to the opening.
If the Seahawks elect to promote from within, Shane Waldron is the likely answer. The 44-year-old spent the last three seasons as Seattle's offensive coordinator, and has been in the NFL since 2008. Waldron has been receiving some buzz this offseason for open offensive coordinator positions, but the Seahawks could give him his first crack at a head coaching gig.
Another name with Seattle ties is Dave Canales. The 42-year-old was in the Seahawks organization from 2010 to 2022, working his way up from wide receivers coach to quarterbacks coach and then eventually passing game coordinator. He was hired by the Buccaneers last year to take over as the team's offensive coordinator, but he could return to the Pacific Northwest.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn could also be a candidate for the Seahawks. Quinn has been tied to head coaching gigs ever since he was fired as the Falcons head coach in 2020.
