Seattle Seahawks fans knew this day was coming eventually. Coach Pete Carroll couldn't go on forever, even though 14 years of near-limitless ability for reinvention seemed to imply that he would.
However, Carroll's departure Wednesday took many in the Pacific Northwest and beyond by complete surprise. The Seahawks had gone 9-8 this year, nearly making a second straight postseason. Carroll continued to draw acclaim for his handling the team after the departure of quarterback Russell Wilson, who Seattle traded away in 2022.
In a statement, the Seahawks wrote that Carroll would “remain with the organization as an advisor.” It sounded like the type of farewell meant to allow a franchise icon a graceful exit.
After an opening statement in which he thanked all involved in his years leading the Seahawks and spoke highly of the team, Carroll revealed Wednesday afternoon that he does know what his specific role with the organization will be going forward.
“We’re going to figure that out. We don’t really know right now,” Carroll said when asked about his new role within the Seahawks. “But I’m grateful for the intention that the organization has to find something that makes sense. We’ll see.”
Carroll added that he fought hard to keep the top job on the sidelines.
“I competed pretty hard to be the coach, just so you know. Just wanted to make sure I stood up for all of our coaches, and the players, and the things that we had accomplished. Not so that we could be the coaches still, but so that we could have a chance to continue to be successful, and keep the organization going.
“We got to a good, clean spot where it made sense, and I went along with their intentions.”
The absence of a clear job for Carroll upon his departure makes for a somewhat odd sendoff after 14 years leading the team, but it would appear that both Carroll and the Seahawks are ready to step into the next chapter of their relationship.
