As the Seattle Seahawks navigate the potential retirement of their long-time coach, Pete Carroll, speculation looms over who could step into his formidable shoes. NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on January 7, 2024, that the Seahawks are actively developing contingency plans in case Carroll decides to retire after 14 seasons with the team. The decision, however, hinges on discussions between Carroll, Seahawks chair Jody Allen, and general manager John Schneider, typically held in the aftermath of the season.
While Carroll is under contract until 2024, with an option for 2025, the uncertainty surrounding his future has prompted the organization to prepare for all scenarios. If Carroll were to step away, the burning question emerges: who could possibly fill his role as the next Seahawks head coach? ESPN’s Ed Werder has suggested that Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn might be a prime candidate for the position.
In a message on January 7, 2024, Werder expressed his expectation that Quinn would be a top contender if Carroll decided not to return. This aligns with earlier reports by Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, who hinted at ongoing speculation within the NFL community about Quinn being a leading choice to replace Carroll, should retirement be on the horizon.
Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll are the only Head Coaches to coach in both a National Championship game AND a Super Bowl in the BCS/CFP era 🏆 pic.twitter.com/GRlBOsfIyV
— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) January 6, 2024
Quinn, currently serving as the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, has a notable history with the Seahawks. He previously held the position of defensive coordinator during Seattle’s Super Bowl appearances in the 2013 and 2014 seasons, adding a layer of familiarity with the organization. Despite the Seahawks experiencing a somewhat inconsistent end to the season, reports emphasize that any decision regarding Carroll’s future would ultimately be at his discretion.
Breer, in a December 14 mailbag article, expressed a less certain outlook on Carroll’s return, highlighting the team’s evolving dynamics and the coach’s contemplation of his proximity to a competitive core group of players. If Carroll believes that the team is not as close to contention as he anticipated, it could potentially influence his decision to retire for the upcoming season, especially considering he would turn 73 during that time.
The Seahawks’ playoff track record also adds a layer of complexity to Carroll’s potential departure. Although Carroll has led the team to unprecedented success, including two Super Bowl appearances and a title in 2013, the Seahawks have not won a playoff game since 2019. Furthermore, their advancement beyond the divisional round has eluded them since the 2014 playoffs. Heading into the final week of the season, the Seahawks find themselves in need of external help—a Bears win over the Packers—to secure a postseason berth.
The narrative surrounding Carroll’s potential retirement and the subsequent consideration of Dan Quinn as his successor adds an intriguing dimension to the Seahawks’ offseason. As the NFL community eagerly awaits the conclusion of the season and the pivotal post-season discussions, the fate of the Seahawks’ coaching staff remains uncertain, with Quinn emerging as a notable name in the conversation.
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