Carroll looking forward to bright future in Seattle

By TOM OLDFIELD

While most eyes are fixed solely on the NFL Playoffs at present, some teams are already looking ahead to next season. Coaching changes come with the territory at this time of year as regular season failings catch up with those in charge and this opens the door for new coaches to make a big impact.

And the Seattle Seahawks wasted little time in replacing head coach Jim Mora with Pete Carroll as they attempt to improve on this season’s miserable 5-11 record and the two-year slump that has seen the Seahawks fall away from playoff contenders to also rans. Carroll, who reportedly signed a five-year deal, is charged with returning Seattle to winning ways – or at least to a winning record.

The Seahawks made their mark in 2005 by beating the Washington Redskins and Carolina Panthers on the way to the Super Bowl, where they lost 21-10 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. There was no fairytale ending that year but Seattle was suddenly on the map as a football team, with running back Shaun Alexander taking the league by storm on the way to MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards.

While the Seahawks would not repeat the 13-3 regular season record of 2005, they remained a talented group for the next two seasons but painful eliminations in the Divisional Round cut short the hopes of another Super Bowl appearance. Then, 2008 happened and that disastrous season brought a miserable 4-12 record, beginning the team’s slide. And 2009 was little better, leading to the change at the helm.

Carroll clearly has his work cut out but has considerable experience at college level to draw upon. A winner of two national championships during his nine-year spell coaching USC, he can handle the pressure and expectations. His exploits in the NFL have been less successful, though, and that will be the biggest hurdle for Carroll to overcome. Fired after one season in charge of the New York Jets and after three at the New England Patriots, he has doubters to win over.

All in all, it looks a positive move. The Seahawks are desperate to begin a new chapter and Carroll is a perfect fit. Not only has he got a solid coaching background but he brings the added bonus of having a point to prove in the NFL. Rebuilding in Seattle will take time but Carroll will certainly embrace the challenge.

Tags: Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks, USC Trojans