Pete Carroll’s 72nd birthday raised doubts about whether or not he will rejoin the Seattle Seahawks as head coach for the upcoming campaign. After spending 14 seasons in Seattle, there were rumors that Carroll might be prepared to retire.
But on Wednesday, January 10, the Seahawks shockingly announced that they were just going to move on from Carroll. But the most successful coach in the team’s history isn’t going anywhere. Carroll will remain with the Seahawks in a different capacity, according to a statement released by team owner Jody Allen.
The announcement said, “His role will evolve from Head Coach to remain with the organization as an advisor.” Soon after Carroll was removed from his position of leadership, speculation about his replacement began to circulate. Many pundits think that Dan Quinn of the Dallas Cowboys, the defensive coordinator, is the most qualified candidate to replace Carroll.
“Cowboys DC Dan Quinn would quickly be considered a strong candidate to replace Pete Carroll, who now exits as HC,” wrote NFL analyst Ian Rapoport on X.
Quinn is not a total stranger to the team, having worked as assistant head coach in Seattle from 2009 to 2010.
Corbin K. Smith of SI wrote on social media, “A few weeks back, I mentioned this on @Locked_Seahawks. I assumed that if this were to happen, Seattle would go after Dan Quinn right away. Anticipate him to lead the field.
CBS Sports “I can definitely see Dan Quinn interested in this, and he no doubt deserves another opportunity,” observed Tracy Wolfson.
The Seahawks will have fierce competition if Quinn is indeed being considered as a candidate. According to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, he’s “one of the hottest names entering the head coaching market,” as of January 8.
Quinn is reportedly accepting interviews and is prepared to take on the role of head coach once more, according to ESPN’s Todd Archer. Prior to joining the Cowboys staff in 2021, Quinn spent almost six years as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Despite being regarded as one of the best defensive coordinators of all time, Quinn was fired by the Falcons as head coach following a 0–5 start to the 2020 NFL season.
Quinn’s increase from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones may not be enough to keep him in Dallas.
Quinn has applied for jobs every two years, and the Carolina Panthers have asked to speak with him for an interview, according to Archer’s post. “Sources claim that Jerry Jones changed Quinn’s contract, but Quinn desires to return to the position of head coach. Jones might have trouble persuading Quinn to stay if the proper time arises.
Following his team’s elimination from the playoffs the previous week, Carroll addressed his future with the Seahawks right away. Green Bay had to lose for the Seahawks to have a chance in the postseason, even though they won 21–10. “At this point, I do,” he responded to a question about whether he would play for the ‘Hawks for a 15th season.
He made a strong hint that he might return on Monday during an appearance on Seattle Sports. Carroll declared, “I’m going to be coaching this team.” I adore these guys, as I have mentioned. And that’s what I want to be doing, watching your progress.
“I’m not exhausted. I’m not worn out or anything like that. We need to coach more effectively, and I need to do a better job of it as well as support my coaches more. There is much room for development.
Even back in September, during an interview with SI’s Albert Breer, Carroll was answering queries regarding his future plans. Carroll remarked, “They’re going to have to work really hard to run me out of here right now.” “I’m enjoying myself too much.”
In 2013 and 2014, Seattle earned consecutive trips to the Super Bowl and emerged victorious in the former during his time as head coach. Carroll oversaw 14 seasons in which the Seahawks finished 137-89-1.
