During his 14 years as the principal personnel executive of the Seattle Seahawks, John Schneider worked with head coach Pete Carroll on several roster changes and overall moves that resulted in the creation of teams of championship caliber, including drafting Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor and trading for Marshawn Lynch.
However, because Carroll held the title of vice president of football operations, he still had final say on personnel and coaching decisions.
But since the Seahawks put Carroll in an advisory role last week, those decisions will now be made by Schneider, he announced during a news conference with reporters Tuesday.
Schneider dedicated his time and earned the right to be the man in charge. His first move given his new control will be to hire a replacement for the winningest head coach in franchise history.
The Seahawks have already requested permission to speak with eight candidates:
Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, Rams offensive coordinator Raheem Morris, Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Dolphins OC Frank Smith, Texans OC Bobby Slowik, Raiders DC Patrick Graham and the Panthers.
DC Ejiro Evero.Schneider said the Seahawks are in this situation because the entire organization underperformed in 2023, missing the playoffs by a mark of 9-8 after surprisingly reaching the postseason a year earlier after trading Wilson.
“I think everyone was disappointed,” Schneider told reporters Tuesday. “We had several games that got out of hand.
”The plan is to cast a wide net and not set a timetable for making a final decision on hiring a new coach.
Schneider said the team received a clear directive from owner Jody Allen to maintain the foundation of the organization, namely a positive culture created through its partnership with Carroll.
“If you’re stagnant in this league, then you’re behind,” Schneider said. “I think that’s probably the most fascinating thing:
learning and being open-minded. »Schneider believes the Seahawks are on the verge of becoming a championship-caliber team.
“I think it’s a young, talented team that feels like it’s on the cusp of growth,” he said. “I think there are a lot of people who have great confidence in their abilities.
They are all very disappointed with what happened. … It’s a great core. I think that’s why we have a very attractive job. There are young talents everywhere.
