Seahawks shed coaches but Richard isn’t out…yet
By Lee Vowell
The Seahawks eliminated unwanted offensive coaches today. There were rumors that Kris Richard would also soon leave. This may be the case, but not yet.
The Seahawks let go of Darrell Bevell and Tom Cable today. And many 12s rejoiced. There were also reports that defensive coordinator Kris Richard was let go. But let’s hold off on that for just a minute. Because as of Wednesday, Richard is still a coach with Seattle.
Here’s what I’m hearing: Not just Bevell. Per sources: Kris Richard also out as DC, QB’s coach Carl Smith leaving as well.
— Dave “Softy” Mahler (@Softykjr) January 10, 2018
And why shouldn’t he? Seattle’s defense the last few years hasn’t been bad, except in 2017 the defense wasn’t up to Seattle’s normal standards. This year, Seattle ranked 18th in the NFL in points allowed. And we all know there is a real reason for that.
Since Dan Quinn left the position of defensive coordinator in Seattle after the 2014 season and Richard was promoted, Seattle has ranked first, third and then 18th in points allowed. What is the difference, though? That Richard suddenly cannot coach this year? No. Richard Sherman and Cliff Avril and Kam Chancellor missed significant time. This affected what the entire scheme was in Seattle.
Richard likes to blitz a bit more than Quinn or, Quinn’s predecessor, Gus Bradley. In fact, in the Dallas Cowboys game, Richard’s scheme probably won the game for the Seahawks.
Richard may indeed leave the Seahawks this offseason. But it may only be that head coach Pete Carroll is giving him an opening to leave for a different, and possible head coaching, position. Carroll has not said Richard is fired. Or that he will not be returning.
Part of the issue is that Seattle did let go of offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and offensive line coach Tom Cable today. 12s are now ready for the next big firing. But Richard may not be part of that. And this may be the fault of Ian Rapoport’s fuzzy tweet.
More change coming for the #Seahawks: DC Kris Richard would be allowed out of his contract for another opportunity, sources say. He's had a long relationship with Pete Carroll, who believes Richard would benefit from experiencing something new. Could have OC & DC openings.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 10, 2018
But Rapoport is not saying Seattle let go of Richard, only that he could leave for a different position. Defensive players and Carroll respect Richard. Plus, he is getting head coaching interviews. Let’s not assume Richard is no longer with the Seahawks. He still is and he may be in 2018.
Related Story: Darrell Bevell of the Seahawks? He gone!
That said and because I am writing this, most likely the Seahawks will have a new offensive and defensive coordinator when the 2018 season starts.