The Seattle Seahawks have announced that they are parting ways with head coach Pete Carroll, who led the team to its only Super Bowl title in 2013. Carroll, who was 72 years old, will remain with the organization as an advisor, according to a statement from owner Jody Allen.
Carroll had been in charge of the Seahawks since 2010, and had a record of 137-69-1 in the regular season. He also won two NFC championships and reached the Super Bowl in 2013 and 2014. However, he faced criticism for his decision to pass the ball on fourth-and-goal from the one-yard line in Super Bowl XLIX against the New England Patriots, which resulted in an interception by Malcolm Butler and a loss for Seattle.
Allen said that the move came after “thoughtful meetings and careful consideration for the best interest of the franchise.” She praised Carroll for his “winning culture” and his “tremendous impact” on the field and in the community. She also thanked him for his loyalty and dedication to Seattle.
Carroll expressed his gratitude to Allen, his staff, his players, and his fans during a farewell news conference. He said that he was “thrilled” by what they had accomplished together, and that he was proud of their consistency. He also said that he wanted to continue coaching and helping others succeed.
“I plan to be coaching this team,” Carroll said on Monday. “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.”
However, it seems that Carroll’s future with Seattle is over after 14 years. The Seahawks missed out on a playoff spot this season, finishing with a 9-8 record. They also lost their star quarterback Russell Wilson to free agency earlier this year.
The Seahawks are reportedly looking for a new head coach to replace Carroll. One of their potential candidates is Dan Quinn, who was their defensive coordinator from 2013 to 2014 under Carroll. Quinn is currently working as an assistant coach for the Dallas Cowboys.
