Players, 12s and media praise Pete Carroll as Seahawks make coaching change
After 14 years as the undisputed greatest coach in Seattle Seahawks history, Pete Carroll is out. There is no shortage of praise for the job he did, or the man he is.
Many expected this to happen, but it's still a shock. Peter Edward Carroll brought the Seattle Seahawks 11 winning seasons - the next closest had just six.
Throw in 19 playoff appearances, a Super Bowl win, another conference title - no Hawks coach - and very few NFL coaches at all - can come close to matching his record. There will never be another Pete Carroll.
Social media reacts to Seattle Seahawks moving on from Pete Carroll
Former Seahawks quarterback and current analyst Brock Huard had this to say about his former coach, his first in the NFL:
Takeaways
— Brock Huard (@BrockHuard) January 10, 2024
1-Thank you @PeteCarroll for 14 years of selfless leadership
2-“We lost our edge to be great.” And that was the Line of Scrimmage
3-John Schneider’s role will be elevated & next HC will be his decision
4-Pete still wants to coach
5-That presser was incredibly well done pic.twitter.com/Fu5LAr6Clk
Former Seahawks tight end and current Houston Texans offensive lineman George Fant had nothing but praise for the coach who brought him into the league. "It doesn't matter whether you're an undrafted rookie or a 10-year vet, he's gonna treat you the same."
Caught up with #Texans OL George Fant today, asked him about Pete Carroll getting the axe & coming into the league with him in SEA as his HC back in ‘16
— Shaun Bijani (@ShaunBijani) January 10, 2024
“Coolest thing about him, he really cares about everybody.” pic.twitter.com/kpN9geY4oE
As Geno Smith said in this clip from NFL Films, Pete Carroll guided Geno to listen to his own voice, believe in himself, and help others do the same. If any one thing stands out, that is Carroll's greatest talent.
Pete Carroll has always been about building relationships and empowering his players 🙏 pic.twitter.com/8ct6r9q800
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) January 10, 2024
In case you weren't sure that Carroll touched his players' lives, check Geno's reaction as he sits up front for Pete's press conference. Not just another coach.
Geno Smith front and center for Pete Carroll's final press conference pic.twitter.com/DsqnTNdD6n
— Brandon Gustafson (@TheBGustafson) January 10, 2024
She not be as well-known nationally, but the 12s know reporter Jen Mueller as well as their own family. She's probably said five million words when covering the Mariners, the Kraken, or the Seahawks. She was almost speechless at this news. Well, almost,
Impossible to put into words how much I learned from Pete Carroll or how much I enjoyed every interview for the last 14 years.
— Jen Mueller (@JenTalksSports) January 10, 2024
So until I find the words I’ll just say this - Thank you Pete 💚💙 pic.twitter.com/g6SgLxwEFn
Jeffrey Dean Morgan, one of the more notable 12s, spoke for all of us. Except really, JD? It's going to take a minute to sink in? I'm pretty sure it's going to take me weeks.
Hate this Pete Carroll news. Seriously hate it. Great coach, great asset to community, great dude. We @Seahawks fans owe Pete much… and thank him for all of it. Damn. This is gonna take a minute to sink in. Not to mention replacing? Cmon. Huge thanks & love Pete. Xojd pic.twitter.com/dWh7r5ShKo
— Jeffrey Dean Morgan (@JDMorgan) January 10, 2024
There is no shortage of candidates to fill the head coaching position in Seattle, but there will never be another like Pete Carroll. Hopefully, he accepts the Seahawks' offer to step upstairs and stay with the organization. They may have moved on from Carroll because of Xs and Os, but there is no better model for true leadership than Carroll.
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