Seahawks hire Brian Schottenheimer as offensive coordinator
By Lee Vowell
The Seahawks have hired Brian Schottenheimer as their new offensive coordinator. Schottenheimer replaces Darrell Bevell. But what does Schottenheimer bring to his new position?
The Seahawks were looking for someone to become their new offensive coordinator who could get the team back to a more run-heavy approach. And new OC Brian Schottenheimer does this. But how good is this hire?
Schottenheimer has been an offensive coordinator in the NFL twice. With the Jets from 2006-11, his offenses never ranked higher than 11th. With the Rams from 2012-14, his offenses never ranked higher than 23rd.
So yeah, on paper (and maybe in reality), Seattle’s hiring of Schottenheimer sucks and is just simply confusing.
But here is why Pete Carroll decided to hire Schottenheimer: Carroll wants to get back to running the football and Schottenheimer is used to coaching run-heavy teams. Carroll tired of Bevell trying to get Russell Wilson to pass the ball 10 times more than Seattle runs the ball. The last two years, that hasn’t really worked.
But another question is does Schottenheimer in any way elevate the personnel Seattle has? And that depends on how healthy Seattle’s running backs can stay. It is important to note that twice with the Jets, Schottenheimer’s offense ranked in the top five in the NFL in rushing.
Carroll wants to eat clock and rely on his defense to win games. This is how he has always won, whether it was with USC or in Seattle. So, this hire really says a lot more about Carroll than it does Schottenheimer.
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Another important aspect is whether this is Carroll’s last offensive coordinator hire with the Seahawks. Carroll is the oldest coach in the NFL. He wants to win now and he wants to win his way. In the past his way has proven successful. However, if the Schottenheimer hire does not work out, Carroll might be out of coaching himself.