The Seahawks asked quarterbacks coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider to fire quarterbacks before trading Russell Wilson to the Broncos, league sources said. Athletic. On Friday, Wilson denied the report in a tweet, saying, “I never wanted (Carroll or Schneider) to be fired.” Here’s what you need to know:
- According to league sources who spoke, Wilson was convinced that Carroll and Schneider were hindering his quest to win additional Super Bowls and individual awards. Athletic They are not authorized to discuss details on the condition of anonymity.
- The quarterback had a preferred replacement in mind: Sean Payton, recently decommitted from the New Orleans Saints.
- Wilson made his request to fire the coach and GM in February 2022. Within days of his call, the team’s top executives met and decided to trade the nine-time Pro Bowler.
- Payton and Wilson are now teamed up in Denver after the Broncos hired the coach this offseason.
Backstory
On March 8, 2022, Seahawks leadership publicly backed Carroll and Schneider, sending Wilson to the Broncos for the most successful quarterback in franchise history, five draft picks and three players.
Before the start of the 2022 season, Wilson waived his no-trade clause and signed a five-year, $245 million extension. He told his new teammates that he recognized Denver as his destination because he believed the Broncos could win a championship.
However, Wilson’s plans did not get off to a good start in his first season in Denver. He threw for 3,524 yards in 15 games with touchdowns (16) and a completion percentage (60.5). The Broncos went 5-12, including a Week 1 loss to Seattle, and finished in last place in the AFC West. Amidst Denver’s poor season, the team fired coach Nathaniel Hackett 15 games into his first year with the organization.
For more on Wilson and his first season with the Broncos, read on Athletic Here’s the full story by Kalyn Kahler, Mike Sando and Jayson Jenks.
What are they saying?
Friday, Wilson responded to the report on Twitter.
“I love Pete, he was a father figure to me, John believed in me and built me up,” Wilson said. “I don’t want to fire them. It’s just that any of us have to win. I’ll always have respect for them and love for Seattle.
Go deeper
‘Too much influence,’ too few hits in Russell Wilson’s first year with the Broncos
(Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
