After 14 years at the helm, Pete Carroll was officially relieved of his duties as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks following the 2023 season. Carroll, who also held the title of Vice President of Football Operations, had the final say on roster decisions during his time with the team. His successor, John Schneider, transitioned from General Manager to President of Football Operations, assuming control over team strategy and roster management.
While Carroll’s leadership fostered a successful era for the Seahawks, subsequent developments have shown that Schneider’s approach may be paving a brighter path for the franchise. His decision to hire Mike Macdonald as the new head coach has been widely praised, as has the acquisition of linebacker Ernest Jones through a mid-season trade. These moves are indicative of a shift in the team’s culture and direction under Schneider’s guidance.
One of Schneider’s boldest moves this season was the decision to part ways with quarterback Geno Smith, despite his productive tenure with the team. Smith’s performance in 2024 fell short of expectations, coupled with issues of temperament that didn’t align with the youthful ambitions of the Seahawks. In his place, Schneider pursued quarterback Sam Darnold, whose contributions have proven vital to the team’s remarkable 14-3 season.
The roster overhaul didn’t stop there; Schneider and Macdonald also moved on from wide receiver DK Metcalf, an athlete who had begun to prioritize individual accolades over team dynamics. This change allowed Seattle to capture a promising draft pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers, which was used to select standout rookie defensive back Nick Emmanwori.
In a more pragmatic move, Schneider opted to release veteran Tyler Lockett, who had shown signs of decline and was less effective as a blocker. Nonetheless, Schneider’s signing of Cooper Kupp has yielded positive results, revitalizing the receiving corps.
What stands out is the rapid transformation of the Seattle Seahawks under Schneider. The team now finds itself poised just one step away from the Super Bowl, a remarkable feat considering the significant changes at the top. Had Carroll remained in control, the outlook might have been far less optimistic. However, with Schneider at the helm and the incoming talent and fresh personnel reflecting a new ethos, the Seahawks could emerge as serious contenders for the championship in 2025.