The Seahawks’ season coming to an end with a whimper led many to believe major changes were needed. Just a few days after Seattle’s wild card loss to the Rams, one has occurred.
On Tuesday, the Seahawks announced the team and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer had mutually agreed to part ways, citing philosophical differences.
Brian Schottenheimer is a fantastic person and coach and we thank him for the last three years. Citing philosophical differences, we have parted ways.
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) January 13, 2021
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Schottenheimer was fired, however, rather than a mutual parting.
Seahawks fired OC Brian Schottenheimer. His offense set a number of Seahawks’ records. But after meeting last night, it was evident there were philosophical differences between Schottenheimer and HC Pete Carroll. They decided a parting was in the best interests of both sides.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 13, 2021
Schottenheimer’s three seasons as Seahawks offensive coordinator brought mixed results, with a run-heavy 2018 discouraging many before the team slowly trended in the right direction in pass/run splits. Schottenheimer also helped Seattle to a top-10 finish in scoring in each of his three seasons and helped to improve Russell Wilson’s play from the pocket.
In 2020, the team and Wilson got off to a historic start, before rapidly regressing. By the end of the season, both quarterback and offense appeared broken. Instead of entering the head coaching carousel as was reported, Schottenheimer will now look for a new job.
Schottenheimer’s departure will see Pete Carroll hire the fourth offensive coordinator of his Seattle tenure, after Jeremy Bates and Darrell Bevell came before Schottenheimer.
