Pete Carroll Relinquishes Role as Seattle Seahawks Head Coach, Expresses Emotional Concern for Those Affected by Transition
Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll will step down from his position, leaving the team in search of a new leader The announcement comes following his dismissal, leaving fans and players alike pondering the impacts of this significant change
The Seattle Seahawks announced on Wednesday that head coach Pete Carroll will not be returning to the sidelines next season after being relieved of his duties. However, Carroll will continue to be with the franchise in an advisory role.
Seahawks chair Jody Allen stated that Pete is the most successful coach in Seahawks history, having secured the city's first Super Bowl title and making a significant impact on the field and within the community over the past 14 years. Allen also expressed that Pete's leadership and ability to foster a winning culture will remain a crucial part of the organization as they move forward, emphasizing that Pete will always be a cherished member of the Seahawks family.
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Carroll has led the Seahawks to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances in 2013 and 2014, securing a victory in Super Bowl XLVIII (48) against the Denver Broncos and experiencing defeat in Super Bowl XLIX (49) against the New England Patriots.
During Carroll's tenure, Seattle has made it to the playoffs 10 times and earned five NFC West division titles.
The 72-year-old concluded his tenure with the Seahawks, wrapping up with a 137-89-1 regular season record and a 10-9 playoff mark. He achieved a winning record in 11 of his 14 seasons as head coach. In the most recent season, Seattle finished 9-8 and narrowly missed the playoffs in the final week.
Seven NFL head coaching positions are currently vacant. The Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons, and Washington Commanders have parted ways with Mike Vrabel, Arthur Smith, and Ron Rivera, respectively. Additionally, the Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers are currently without head coaches.
Carroll expressed his gratitude towards the coaches who have been with the Seahawks for many years, becoming emotional as he reflected on the impact of the leadership changes. He also thanked the coaches who had been with the team before and had managed to bring his ideas to life daily.
Carroll speaks to reporters after being removed as Seahawks head coach.
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He added: "I asked a lot of them and they were good at it, and I appreciate that a lot. Im so sorry, so heartfully sorry for the families. You all dont realize how deep this runs."
The experienced coach also expressed his appreciation for the players, emphasizing that the NFL would be nothing without them.
"It's not about the ownership," Carroll emphasized. "It's not about the coaching. It's not about the color of the uniforms or going to the stadiums. It's about those guys doing what they do and putting their bodies on the line so regularly... We should always, in my opinion, understand that we should celebrate those guys because they are the NFL."
On Wednesday, former Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson took to X, previously known as Twitter, to praise Carroll as "one of the greatest ever," and encouraged the coach to keep shooting. He expressed gratitude for the memories. Former Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman also paid tribute to Carroll on X, thanking him for the times they shared from high school to the NFL. Sherman expressed gratitude for Carroll's spirit and wisdom, calling him a Hall of Fame career and human being, and sending much love and respect.
CNNs Jacob Lev contributed to reporting.
