Pete Carroll will leave the sidelines and move into an advisory role on Wednesday after 14 seasons as the Seahawks’ head coach. Carroll told reporters after the 2023 season that he plans to return in 2024, but the 72-year-old former Super Bowl champion has paved the way for his successor.
Seattle has experienced sustained success under Carroll’s leadership, reaching the playoffs in 10 of his 14 years on the top staff, but failing to make the postseason in two of the past three seasons. Who is most likely to take over now that he has hung up the headset? Here are five logical candidates to be the Seahawks’ next head coach.
5. Ben Jonson
Current title: lions offensive coordinator
If it’s the new, innovative look the Seahawks are looking for in moving Carroll upstairs, there’s a good chance the 37-year-old Johnson is their guy. Johnson, who was praised for designing a quarterback-friendly system in Detroit and was a big reason why the Lions hosted a playoff game for the first time in 30 years, could help lead Seattle into a more progressive era. unknown.
4. Mike Vrabel
Current title: Former Titans head coach
All indications are that the 48-year-old Vrabel was ousted at Tennessee not because of a lack of track record, having led them to the playoffs three times in his first four years on the job, but because of team executives. This is said to be due to a shift in vision due to the change. Perhaps he may find a welcome new home in Seattle, where the goal is to maintain win-now mode with veterans in key positions. His defensive ability could also make him the perfect addition considering Seattle’s recent struggles in that area.
3. Shane Waldron
Current title: Seahawks offensive coordinator
Carroll remaining within the organization could signal an effort to maintain as much continuity as possible, in which case an internal promotion for the 44-year-old Waldron would make sense. After spending four years under Sean McVay in Los Angeles, he became Seattle’s OC in 2021 and helped the team seamlessly transition from Russell Wilson to Geno Smith under center. If he doesn’t get the top job, he could easily land another high-profile coordinator job.
2. Jim Harbaugh
Current title: michigan head coach
The dramatic irony here is unparalleled, considering Harbaugh, 60, was Carroll’s famous rival in college and the NFL. But sometimes intense competition produces championship results. Harbaugh has developed on the West Coast at both levels, and the Seahawks are likely built to compete sooner rather than later. It would also give them a chance to outscore their former team, the 49ers, at least twice a year if the game becomes viable.
1. Dan Quinn
Current title: cowboys defensive coordinator
Quinn, 53, has the most obvious connection to Carroll and the Seahawks, and Seattle is already eyeing him as a possible successor, according to CBS Sports Leader NFL insider Jonathan Jones. Before leading Dallas’ playmaking defense and serving as the Falcons’ head coach for more than five years, Quinn made a name for himself as Carroll’s defensive coordinator from 2013-2014, spending two seasons with Seattle’s “Legion of Boom.” ” unit won two Super Bowls. exterior.
