Pete Carroll speaks to the media as he steps down as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks at the team's headquarters in Renton, Washington, January 10, 2024. /AP
Pete Carroll, head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, resigned from the position after 14 years, the team announced on Wednesday.
"After thoughtful meetings and careful consideration for the best interest of the franchise, we have amicably agreed with Pete Carroll that his role will evolve from head coach to remain with the organization as an advisor," Jody Allen, owner of the Seahawks, said in a statement.
"Pete is the winningest coach in Seahawks history, brought the city its first Super Bowl title and created a tremendous impact over the past 14 years on the field and in the community. His expertise in leadership and building a championship culture will continue as an integral part of our organization moving forward. Pete will always be a beloved member of the Seahawks family," he added.
Pete Carroll, head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the 43-8 win over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, February 2, 2014. /AP
The 72-year-old's coaching career didn't begin in Seattle, but it was arguably the most successful part. The Seahawks made 10 playoff appearances under Carroll and won their only Super Bowl title by defeating the Denver Broncos 43-8 at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on February 2, 2014.
However, the Seahawks finished the 2023 regular season with only nine wins and missed the playoffs for the second time in the past three campaigns. The four straight losses they suffered in November and December put them in an unfavorable situation early in the season. Their loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second-to-last game kept the Seahawks out of the postseason.
"It's been an honor and a thrill to be part of this program, and I've loved every minute of it. You've watched me love it," Carroll said. "I want to make sure that that's clear, as things have shifted so quickly in most people's perspective."
According to ESPN, the Seahawks are interested in hiring Dan Quinn, defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys, as Carroll's successor. Quinn has worked under Carroll twice, first as an assistant head coach and defensive line coach in 2010 and then as a defensive coordinator between 2013 and 2014.