In a shocking turn of events, Pete Carroll is no longer the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Carroll will remain with the organization in an advisor role, but he won't be coaching the team in 2024. The Seahawks will immediately begin searching for his successor.
The 72-year-old Carroll compiled a record of 137-89-1 throughout 14 years as Seattle's head coach and won Super Bowl XLVIII. More recently, Carroll led the Seahawks back to the postseason in 2022 despite trading away franchise quarterback Russell Wilson. The Seahawks matched last season's record this year at 9-8, but it wasn't good enough to make the playoffs this time around.
The Seahawks have decided to make a change and we've identified three candidates to succeed Carroll in Seattle.
DAN QUINN, COWBOYS DC
Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn first rose to prominence as the Seahawks' defensive coordinator in 2013 and 2014, helping oversee the critically acclaimed Legion of Boom defense that won a Super Bowl. Quinn parlayed that into his first head coaching gig, a six-year stint with the Atlanta Falcons. Quinn took the Falcons to a Super Bowl, one he infamously lost despite holding a 28-3 advantage.
Quinn has done a terrific job as the Cowboys' defensive coordinator recently and has been extremely choosy over his next opportunity. Quinn has rebuffed multiple head coaching advances from competing franchises. I don't believe he would reject an opportunity to return to his old stomping grounds, however.
Quinn wants, and deserves, a second opportunity to be a head coach. He's simply been waiting for the right opportunity to present itself. It just emerged in Seattle.
SHANE WALDRON, SEAHAWKS OC
Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron could be considered a strong in-house candidate. Seattle's OC and play-caller for the previous three campaigns, Waldron cut his teeth under Sean McVay in Los Angeles for four seasons (2017-20) before joining forces with Carroll. Waldron has possessed near full autonomy while calling offensive plays for the defensive-minded Carroll.
Waldron also helped starting quarterback Geno Smith turn in a Comeback Player of the Year performance throughout 2022. With Smith still under contract as the starting quarterback, his needs must be considered throughout this search. Waldron wouldn't be unemployed for long if Seattle doesn't retain him while sorting through their organizational restructuring. He'd quickly surface as an offensive coordinator candidate elsewhere.
DAVE CANALES, BUCCANEERS OC
Dave Canales spent the 2009 campaign working under Carroll in his final season at USC. Carroll then brought Canales with him to Seattle, where he'd spend the next 13 seasons (2010-22) in various roles. Canales' NFL journey began as the wide receivers position coach, and he was eventually elevated to quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator.
Canales departed Carroll's side this past season to become the offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs won the NFC South division and will host a playoff game on wild-card weekend. Canales helped once struggling quarterback Baker Mayfield position himself as a 2023 Comeback Player of the Year candidate. Seahawks general manager John Schneider likes Canales and could consider bringing him back to Seattle.
