‘I’ve loved every minute’: Pete Carroll out as Seahawks head coach after storied 14 years

SEATTLE — After nearly a decade and a half, Pete Carroll is out as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter was the first to break the news.

The team released a statement after reports began to surface, saying that they had “amicably agreed” to have him transition from head coach to an advisor position with the organization.

You can read the full statement here.

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Pete Carroll at his final press conference as Seahawks head coach

Carroll delivered an emotional press conference Wednesday, reiterating that “for a variety of reasons, we’ve mutually agreed to set a new course for the club to take on new leadership.”

“It’s been an honor,” he continued, pausing as he teared up. “I’ve loved every minute of it.”

Carroll expressed his support for General Manager John Schneider and the Seahawks’ ownership as they begin their search for a new head coach.

As for why he stepped down, he clarified that he “competed pretty hard to be the coach,” but ultimately agreed that it was the best move for the organization. He went on to say that it was “too soon” to talk about whether he’d take on a head coaching job for another team down the line.

In a show of support, a handful of Seahawks players were in attendance at Carroll’s farewell presser, including Geno Smith and Bobby Wagner.

Well-wishes have poured in since Carroll’s departure as head coach was made official. Among them was Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell.

“Pete Carroll’s positive leadership and standard of excellence made him the Seahawks winningest head coach, brought home Seattle’s first Super Bowl title, and inspired our city with a good attitude, humor, and a true commitment to our community,” Harrell said. “Thank you, Coach Carroll!”

Quarterback Russell Wilson called Carroll “one of the greatest ever” in a post on Wednesday afternoon as well.

Former Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham shared that it’s “hard to believe anyone else will be the Hawks head coach.”

“I’m grateful I was able to experience a man like you as my leader,” he continued. “I’ll never forget being wheeled out of a hospital alone at 3 a.m. and seeing you with your wife still waiting to give me a huge. Thank you for everything.”

Retired wide receiver Doug Baldwin detailed how the the best coaches “knew they were more than just a coach.”

“They knew that they were role models and a significant influence in the lives of the young people they had the honor of coaching,” Baldwin said. “Pete Carroll was one of those coaches for me. I am incredibly grateful for his leadership, his patience, his grace, his commitment and above all, his friendship.”

Carroll coached the Seahawks for 14 seasons to a 137-89 record. His storied tenure included back-to-back Super Bowl appearances, as well as the franchise’s first Super Bowl win in 2014.

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