Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll will reportedly consider retirement this offseason, and if he does opt to talk away from the sport, the position will become one of the top vacancies in the sport.
Carroll is currently the oldest head coach in the NFL at 66 years old. He is in his eighth season as Seattle's head coach, leading the franchise to their first-ever Super Bowl title (Super Bowl XLVIII). The Seahawks are 79-47-1 in his tenure and his win percentage of .626 is the best in franchise history.
As such, replacing Carroll would be no small task, but someone has to do it. Here are the top 10 candidates for the job should Carroll walk away:
10. Gus Bradley, Chargers defensive coordinator
Bradley was awful with the Jaguars, but his familiarity with the Seahawks might at least get him an interview. He knows the Seahawks players and front office, plus his contract is up after the season. It'd be a surprise if he was hired, but he's a name the Seahawks could consider.
9. Matt Nagy, Chiefs offensive coordinator
The Chiefs' offense is back on track and there's one notable change the team has made: giving Nagy play-calling duties. The offense is clicking again and that will help Nagy's job chances. Just like Doug Pederson before him, Andy Reid's OC will draw head coaching interest.
8. Matt Patricia, Patriots defensive coordinator
Entering the 2017 season, Patricia was one of the more coveted coaches. The Patriots defense struggled early on but has rebounded despite missing a few key players. The former rocket scientist has done a little bit of everything since joining the Patriots in 2004. He's served as an offensive assistant, offensive line coach, a linebackers coach, a safeties coach and took over as the defensive coordinator in 2012. The buzz around Patricia picked up last year and it should only grow. He's just 43 years old and he'll get a head coaching gig in the near future. The main issue for Patricia is it's unclear if Seattle would hire a defensive coach who would likely change the team's scheme.
7. Pat Shurmur, Vikings offensive coordinator
The Vikings have been one of the surprise teams this season with a 12-3 record and in position to secure a playoff bye. The offense lost Teddy Bridgewater last season due to a horrific leg injury and Sam Bradford this season, but the coaching of Shurmur has reignited Case Keenum's career. Not many offensive coordinators would be able to lose two quarterbacks and still be successful, but Shurmur has found a way. Shurmur was the head coach of the Browns from 2011 to 2012 where things did not go well, but he has rehabbed his image in stints with Philadelphia and Minnesota.
6. Frank Reich, Eagles offensive coordinator
Reich is one of the hottest names in the NFL right now given the success of the Eagles this season. Carson Wentz, in his second year, emerged as one of the best young quarterbacks in the league before going down. Reich would likely help Jameis Winston develop. The Eagles' creative offense is a major reason why they have had success this season and the Seahawks could look to overhaul an offense with issues this year. Reich will be connected to multiple jobs this offseason.
5. Josh McDaniels, Patriots offensive coordinator
McDaniels has rebuilt his reputation while leading the Patriots’ offense for the past five seasons after a less-than-successful head coaching debut in Denver. Its been rumored for several years that McDaniels has a strong desire to be an NFL head coach again should the right role open up. With Arizona needing a young QB soon, hiring an offensive mind like McDaniels would be perfect. But there are two potential issues for the Seahawks and McDaniels. One, he's been linked to joining a team in a pairing with a general manager he wants. Two, everyone wants McDaniels and since he'll have his pick of teams, he might elect to pass.
4. Dave Toub, Chiefs special teams coordinator
Toub is one of the greatest special teams coaches in the history of the NFL. He has turned the Chiefs special teams into one of the most feared units, as he has at all of his previous stops. He is respected throughout the NFL and has a great relationship with the players and front office. At 55 years old, Toub is older than many first-time head coaches but will draw interest after having interviews last season. Toub could be an option if he keeps much of the Seahawks staff.
3. Darrell Bevell, Seahawks offensive coordinator
Bevell had been linked to head coaching jobs in the past, but that was when the Seahawks offense was clicking. Still, there's a good chance Bevell would get to take over for Carroll. There's familiarity with the players and front office, plus it would allow the Seahawks to keep some stability. In theory, Russell Wilson would be happy with this move as well.
2. Kris Richard, Seahawks defensive coordinator
Of the current Seahawks' assistants, Richard is the most likely to get a head coaching job with another team. After all, "Seahawks defensive coordinator" has been a path to a head coaching gig for several others. He's only 38 years old, meaning he could be the long-term option. If Carroll does retire, Richard will at least get an interview. Expect him to be among the top options.
1. Tom Cable, Seahawks OL coach
Cable was linked to the Colts job, but he's not the favorite for that job. The Seattle front office seems to love Cable, even though the offensive line has not been good lately. Still, if Carroll retires, don't be surprised if Cable is one of the front-runners for the job. I wouldn't be a fan of the move, but I wouldn't be surprised if Seattle made this move. He does have head coaching experience with the Raiders.
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