The Seahawks Replaced Pete Carroll to Escape Mediocrity. In Year 1, They Failed
The Seattle Seahawks made a bold and controversial decision to part ways with Pete Carroll, the long-tenured head coach who guided them to a Super Bowl victory in 2014 and established the team as a perennial contender throughout much of the 2010s. The move was framed as an effort to break free from the cycle of mediocrity that had seemingly gripped the franchise in recent years. However, one year into the post-Carroll era, the results suggest that Seattle’s plan to revitalize the team has yet to bear fruit.
Pete Carroll’s tenure with the Seahawks was marked by unparalleled success early on, with consecutive Super Bowl appearances and a dominating “Legion of Boom” defense that defined the franchise. However, as years passed, the team’s fortunes waned. While Carroll continued to lead Seattle to playoff appearances, they often exited early, and the team appeared stuck in the middle of the pack—too good to rebuild but not good enough to contend seriously.
By the end of the 2023 season, the Seahawks’ ownership and front office decided it was time for a change. Carroll, known for his defensive focus and old-school coaching philosophy, was seen by some as out of touch with the modern NFL’s offensive explosiveness and analytics-driven approach. Replacing him was viewed as a necessary step to reinvigorate the franchise and bring it back to championship contention.
The new coaching staff, led by an offensive-minded head coach, was expected to rejuvenate the team and maximize the potential of its roster. However, the 2024 season proved to be a challenging campaign filled with underwhelming performances, questionable decisions, and missed opportunities.
1. Offensive Struggles
Ironically, one of the main criticisms of Carroll’s Seahawks—an inability to fully unlock the team’s offensive potential—remained a problem under the new regime. While the offense occasionally flashed brilliance, it lacked consistency. Key players like quarterback Geno Smith, who had a career resurgence under Carroll, seemed to regress without the stability and structure provided by the former coach.
The play-calling often drew criticism for its predictability, and the inability to establish a reliable running game further hampered the team’s effectiveness.
2. Defensive Decline
Under Carroll, Seattle’s defense was rarely elite in his final years but still managed to keep the team competitive. In 2024, the unit took a significant step back, ranking near the bottom of the league in points allowed and struggling to generate turnovers. The departure of Carroll’s defensive philosophy left a void that the new staff failed to fill adequately.
3. Leadership Void
Carroll’s leadership and infectious energy were hallmarks of his tenure. Without him, the Seahawks seemed to lack a unifying presence, and the locker room appeared less cohesive. Players who thrived under Carroll’s player-first approach seemed to struggle under the new regime’s different style.
Hindsight casts doubt on whether replacing Pete Carroll was the right decision for Seattle. While the desire to move on from mediocrity is understandable, the reality is that Carroll kept the Seahawks competitive in a challenging NFC West and consistently guided them to the playoffs. The first year without him has been a stark reminder of how difficult it is to maintain that level of consistency in the NFL.
Moreover, Carroll’s departure highlights a broader issue within the franchise: a lack of clarity about its identity and direction. Was the goal to rebuild or to contend immediately? The Seahawks seem stuck in limbo, unsure whether to commit to a full-scale rebuild or try to compete with a flawed roster.
While Year 1 of the post-Carroll era has been a disappointment, it’s too early to label the decision a complete failure. A coaching change often takes time to yield results, and the Seahawks’ front office will need to evaluate whether the new staff deserves more time or if further changes are necessary.
Ultimately, the Seahawks’ decision to replace Pete Carroll may have been a bold attempt to escape mediocrity, but Year 1 suggests that mediocrity might have been preferable to outright failure. As the team looks to the future, the pressure to prove that moving on from Carroll was the right choice will only intensify.