The Seattle Seahawks’ decision to move on from Pete Carroll after a franchise-best 14-year run in the Pacific Northwest shocked the football world.
There were some rumors that their longstanding relationship would be coming to an end. That didn’t make it any less surprising that owner Jody Allen and Co. made the decision.
As Carroll’s future is being discussed, the Seahawks now have a major franchise-altering decision to make. Who is going to replace the legendary head coach? Below, we look at five ideal head coach candidates to take over for Carroll in Seattle.
Dan Quinn returns to the Seattle Seahawks
This always seemed to be the likeliest scenario. Quinn, 53, was a member of Seattle’s coaching staff as its defensive coordinator in 2013 and 2014 before being hired as the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach. Quinn’s “Legion of Boom” defense finished first in points and yards allowed both seasons.
Most recently, Quinn has served as the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator the past three seasons. He turned down head coach interviews last cycle, leading to the belief that Quinn could just be waiting out Mike McCarthy in Big D. But that was before the Seahawks’ job opened up. This just makes too much sense.
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Seahawks go with youth in Ben Johnson
Johnson, 37, is seen as an up-and-coming NFL head coach candidate. What he’s done as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator over the past two seasons is nothing short of extraordinary. That includes leading the fifth-best scoring offense both seasons.
Seattle could very well look to go the youth route as a way forward in the NFC West. It also makes sense to hire an offensive-minded head coach with the likes of Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay in the division.
Seattle Seahawks bring in Mike Vrabel
Another option here would be to maintain continuity and go with an experienced defensive-minded head coach. If that is indeed the case, Vrabel would make the most sense for Seattle.
The former Pro Bowl linebacker was just fired by the Tennessee Titans after six seasons. He posted a stellar 54-45 record with three playoff appearances. Tennessee’s downfall under Vrabel the past two seasons (13-21 record) had more to do with personnel than anything else. He’s still a widely respected coach.
Bobby Slowik heads to Pacific Northwest
Yet another offensive-minded head coach candidate, Slowik’s rise in Houston has been something. He came over as DeMeco Ryans’ offensive coordinator after spending the previous six seasons in San Francisco. Slowik’s career started as a defensive assistant before being promoted by Shanahan to passing-game coordinator in 2019. He oversaw the emergence of Brock Purdy last season, too.
Shanahan’s coaching tree is starting to take hold with the likes of Ryans and Robert Saleh. Slowik will likely be the next one promoted to head coach. He’s certainly an interesting fit with Seattle.
Jim Harbaugh heads to the Seattle Seahawks
Imagine this. Harbaugh being hired by the team that was his chief division rival with the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-14. The national championship-winning head coach also replacing a guy in Pete Carroll who was his rival in Seattle and dating back to their days together in the Pac-12.
We firmly believe that this is the best fit for Seattle. Harbaugh’s brilliance with Stanford, the 49ers and Michigan is by now well known. His ability to lead championship-caliber teams is also well known. As an aside, Harbaugh would also have an opportunity to stick it to the 49ers after their ugly divorce a decade ago. Talk about things coming full circle.