Pete Carroll out as Seahawks coach in stunning development

Pete Carroll’s storied coaching career may be over.

In a stunner, the Super Bowl-winning coach is out as the Seahawks’ head coach, the team announced Wednesday afternoon.

Carroll will instead transition into an advisory role.

“After thoughtful meetings and careful consideration for the best interest of the franchise, we have amicably agreed with Pete Carroll that his role will evolve from Head Coach to remain with the organization as an advisor,” the team said in a statement.

Rumors had swirled about Carroll’s coaching future entering Week 18 when the Seahawks needed outside help to return to the playoffs.

While the Seahawks ended their season with a road win over the Cardinals to finish 9-8, they missed the playoffs since the Packers held the tiebreakers.

Carroll downplayed Monday he idea that he may he be ready to move on from coaching.

“I plan to be coaching this team,” Carroll said Monday morning during the “Pete Carroll Show,” as transcribed by sports.mynorthwest.com. “And I told you, I love these guys. And that’s what I would like to be doing and see how far you can go.”

He added: “I’m not worn out. I’m not tired. I’m not any of that stuff. I need to do a better job and I need to help my coaches more, and we need to do a better job of coaching.”

The Seahawks are now the seventh team with an opening, and whomever fills Carroll’s shoes will have a tough task in following him.

Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who formerly served the same role for the Seahawks, is expected to be a top candidate, per Sports Illustrated.

The 72-year-old Carroll delivered Seattle its only Super Bowl title during the 2013 season, and went 137-89-1 (.606) during his tenure with the team.

“Pete is the winningest coach in Seahawks history, brought the city its first Super Bowl title, and created a tremendous impact over the past 14 years on the field and in the community,” the Seahawks said in their statement. “His expertise in leadership and building a championship culture will continue as an integral part of our organization moving forward.

“Pete will always be a beloved member of the Seahawks family.”