After 14 seasons on the job, Pete Carroll is serving as the head coach of the Seahawks. Carroll told reporters following the 2023 season that he expects to return to his position in 2024, but the now 72-year-old former Super Bowl The champion has cleared the way for a successor.
Seattle enjoyed sustained success under Carroll's leadership, making the playoffs in 10 of his 14 years on staff, but failing to reach the postseason in two of his final three seasons. Who is more likely to take charge now that he's hung up the headset? Here are five logical candidates to become the next head coach of the Seahawks:
5. Ben Johnson
Current topic: Lions offensive coordinator
If it's the new and innovative designs the Seahawks are looking for with Carroll jumping upstairs, Johnson, 37, could be their guy. Credited with crafting a quarterback-friendly system in Detroit and a big reason the Lions made their first playoff appearance in 30 years, Johnson could help usher Seattle into a more forward-thinking era.
4. Mike Vrabel
Current topic: Former head coach of the Titans
Vrabel, 48, was fired for a lackluster record at Tennessee — he led three playoff runs in his first four years on the job — but a misguided look at replacing team brass. In Seattle, the goal will be to stay in win-now mode with players at key positions who could find a welcome new home. His defensive prowess would also be a perfect addition considering Seattle's recent struggles on that front.
3. Shane Waldron
Current topic: Seahawks offensive coordinator
Carroll's stay at the company will represent an effort to maintain as much continuity as possible, in which Waldron, 44, creates a world as an in-house ad. After four years under Sean McVay in Los Angeles, he became Seattle's OC in 2021, helping the team make a seamless transition from Russell Wilson to Geno Smith under center. If he doesn't get a crack at the top job, he could easily bolt for another high-profile coordinator gig.
2. Jim Harbaugh
Current topic: Michigan head coach
Harbaugh, 60, was Carroll's most notable competitor in college and in college, so the dramatic contrast can't be overstated here. NFL. But sometimes tough competition breeds championship results. Harbaugh has thrived on the West Coast at both positions, and the Seahawks are built to contend soon. If that proves a viable matchup, he'll have the opportunity to outplay his old team, the 49ers, at least twice a year.
1. Don Quinn
Current topic: Cowboys defensive coordinator
Quinn, 53, has very visible ties to Carroll and the Seahawks, so Seattle is already eyeing him as a potential successor, according to CBS Sports Lead. NFL Internal Jonathan Jones. Before running Dallas' playmaking defense and serving as the Falcons' head coach for more than five years, Quinn made a name for himself as Carroll's defensive coordinator from 2013-2014, two seasons that fueled a pair of Seattle's “Legion of Boom” units. Super Bowl Appearances.
