As Pete Carroll’s remarks cast doubt on Seahawks’ statement, both parties should reconsider what comes next

Between the tears and thank-you’s, the jokes and the trips down memory lane, Pete Carroll sent a message: He was fired.

The 14-year head coach of the Seattle Seahawks spoke publicly less than two hours after the franchise released a statement about its future.

Carroll’s remarks were mostly light and respectful but also did not bow to the party line that the club had released.

“After thoughtful meetings and careful consideration for the best interest of the franchise,” the Seahawks said in a statement Wednesday, “we have amicably agreed with Pete Carroll that his role will evolve from Head Coach to remain with the organization as an advisor.”

Carroll’s remarks called into question the team’s definition of “amicably,” “agreed” and “evolve.”

Perhaps the Seahawks deserve credit for showing deference, positioning a coach who spearheaded more than a decade of success to exit on his own terms. Carroll won 10 playoff games, two NFC titles and a Super Bowl title in his Seattle tenure. He coached a top-10 scoring defense for six straight years, including four straight seasons with the No. 1 scoring defense in the league. The Legion of Boom was formidable, and Carroll’s culture earned points with players.

But four years after the Seahawks’ last playoff win, and on the heels of their second missed postseason in three years, Seattle decided to transition from Carroll’s competitive but no longer top-of-the-league tenure.

As they begin their coaching search, it’s worth asking whether the Seahawks’ blurred relationship with Carroll is in either party’s best interest — and what, if anything, his adviser role will entail.

The answer should impact where they go next.

Pete Carroll said goodbye as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

Did Pete Carroll want to stop coaching?

In his opening remarks, Carroll was subtle.

“Following my season-ending meetings with ownership and the planning sessions, it’s clear…

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-01-11 03:18:10

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