Carroll plans to coach Seahawks next season
Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll expects to return next season, he said Monday.
"I plan to be coaching this team," Carroll told ESPN radio, according to Seattle Sports' Maura Dooley. "I told you, I love these guys. That's what I would like to be doing and see how far we can go. I'm not tired. I'm not worn out. I need to do a better job and help my coaches more."
Carroll added that he expects significant changes to the coaching staff, per Brandon Gustafson of Seattle Sports.
The 72-year-old has been Seahawks head coach for 14 seasons, compiling a 137-89-1 record. He was hired in 2010 after nine years as head coach at USC.
Seattle faltered down the stretch in 2023 after a 5-2 start. The club went 4-6 in its final 10 contests, including a four-game losing streak from Weeks 11-14. The Seahawks were eliminated from playoff contention when the Green Bay Packers defeated the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
Carroll's defense has taken a step back since the Legion of Boom days. The unit ranks 27th in success rate since 2018, per Ben Baldwin's database. The Seahawks finished 25th in points per game allowed in both seasons since defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt was hired in 2022.
Seattle signed quarterback Geno Smith to a three-year, $75-million contract after a tremendous bounce-back campaign in 2022. He finished with fewer yards and touchdowns and more interceptions this season, but Carroll praised Smith on Monday when asked to identify where the team excels.
"The strength's obvious. It's the strength and leadership at the quarterback position. We have to grow from within," Carroll said, according to Gregg Bell of the Tacoma News Tribune.
Smith is scheduled to have a $31.2-million cap hit in 2024, per Over The Cap.
Carroll owns the best winning percentage of any head coach in Seahawks franchise history. He has led the club to 10 playoff appearances, including a victory in Super Bowl 48.
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