NFL: Seattle Seahawks part ways with Pete Carroll

SEATTLE, WA — After fourteen years, Pete Carroll is out as Seattle Seahawks’ coach, marking an exclamation point to end the most successful chapter in franchise history. The breaking news came as a shock as the media flooded with mixed reactions following the announcement on Wednesday. It was reported that Carroll and the team reached the decision for the coach to move on to an advisory role within the organization.

A Successful 14 Years

Hats are off to Carroll, who began his career in the NFL back in 2010. Carroll was hired as the Seahawks' coach after a storied run with the University of Southern California, where he won two national titles. He has a respectful resume, as he helped the Seattle franchise win its only Super Bowl in the 2013 season. He finished with a 137-89-1 record in the regular season and led the organization to the playoffs 10 times. His 170 career regular-season wins leave him tied for 15th in league history.

Seahawks chair Jody Allen’s statement further expressed Carroll’s achievements and gave him his flowers, sharing this statement:

"Pete is the winningest coach in Seahawks history, brought the city its first Super Bowl title, and created a tremendous impact over the past 14 years on the field and in the community," said Allen. "His expertise in leadership and building a championship culture will continue as an integral part of our organization moving forward."

While Allen's statement said the two sides "amicably agreed" on the move, Carroll indicated in his news conference that the final call was not his. During a press conference, when asked what went into the decision to no longer be the coach, Carroll said, "I competed pretty hard to be the head coach, just so you know." Carroll reveals he fought to the end during his fourteen years with Seattle. At 72, many are wondering if Carroll will go on to continue coaching; however, when asked, Carroll stated he’s focused on one day at a time.

"Today's about today. I don't know that," said Carroll.

So that’s not a no. But it is evident that closing this chapter is not easy for Carroll as he delivered a tearful goodbye during a press conference.

The Seahawks become the seventh team to face a coaching change this offseason.