Possible OC candidates likely to include former Carroll assistants

LANE KIFFIN – Alabama offensive coordinator

Here’s where it gets interesting; when you start building a checklist for what Carroll might be looking for in a replacement for Bevell, Kiffin checks a lot of boxes. The mere mention of his name elicits strong reactions in most people, as his resume is littered with controversy;

Nov 28, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; against the Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin motions to Jake Coker (14) in the fourth quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports

• His tenure as Oakland head coach from 2007-08 was tumultuous at best, but equal blame may go to the scattershot way late owner Al Davis was running the team in his final years. Kiffin was also handcuffed by having to try and develop QB JaMarcus Russell, one of the biggest busts in NFL draft history, and a player Kiffin lobbied hard for Davis not to draft.
• At Tennessee, there were PR and recruiting mistakes, but the Volunteers offensive output jumped nearly 60% after Kiffin took over.
• At USC, there were again a long list of bad decisions and mistakes, but ‘SC was still dealing with the aftermath of their massive probation handed down by the NCAA. Kiffin never got to take advantage of a full stock of scholarships.

By the time he was dismissed at USC, it was clear that Kiffin is probably not head coaching material. But, as an offensive coordinator he may just be the next Josh McDaniels, smart, forward-thinking, intense and prepared, and set up for a long run of success focusing on being a play-caller.

He’s shown a propensity to adapt to the talent he has on hand. His best player in 2014 was WR Amari Cooper, and with a stable of mediocre QB’s throwing to him, Cooper amassed a shocking stat line of 124 catches, for nearly 1,800 yards and 16 TD’s under Kiffin his junior year. This year, RB Derrick Henry was the BMOC, and Kiffin has ridden him to nearly 2,000 yards, 23 TD’s and a possible Heisman Trophy.

Next: Seahawks release CB Cary Williams

The opportunity would make a lot of sense for Kiffin. It would get him back in the NFL, where he wouldn’t have to worry about recruiting. He’s likely to not ever get a big-time college head coaching look again, but after a few years of success in the big leagues he could possibly rehabilitate his reputation. As Nick Saban’s top assistant at Alabama, there’s no more room for him to grow in the college ranks.

If Darrell Bevell does depart Seattle there will certainly be many names thrown around. This list surely contains some of them, and there may be others we haven’t yet considered, but Kiffin to the Seahawks will certainly be at the forefront of any post-Bevell rumors, and it just might be the best fit.

Just remember, you read it here first.