The Seattle Seahawks parted ways with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer earlier this week, and they are looking for new names to take over a unit led by quarterback Russell Wilson.
Schottenheimer and Wilson had developed a certain closeness, which Wilson shed light on after Schottenheimer was dismissed.
As such, Wilson is hoping to stay involved in the hiring process for the new OC. He said Thursday he has already spoken with head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider about the direction the team is looking to take.
Russell Wilson praised Brian Schottenheimer as a coach, teacher and friend and said he has what it takes to be a head coach. Wilson said he and Pete Carroll have talked about what Wilson prefers in his next OC. He wants to have some say in the decision. pic.twitter.com/Mh2rCsCb81
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) January 14, 2021
Russell Wilson said he's already ben talking with Pete Carroll and John Schneider about the OC hiring process, wants to be part of that process to make sure QB and OC are on the same page.
— John Boyle (@johnpboyle) January 14, 2021
Wilson also called it “super significant” for him to have input on the new OC:
Wilson says it is "super significant'' that he has some input into the new offensive coordinator hire. Says has had lots of talks with Carroll the last few days about the direction to go.
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) January 14, 2021
The 32-year-old looked like the leading MVP candidate through the first five weeks of the season.
Wilson led the Seahawks to a 5-0 start, throwing 19 touchdowns against three interceptions while posting a quarterback rating of 100.7 or higher in all five contests. But the rest of the season was something of a mixed bag for Wilson.
The seven-time Pro Bowler went 7-4 in his next 11 starts, throwing 21 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. But Wilson really struggled down the stretch. He failed to eclipse the 300-yard mark in a game after Week 9. Although Wilson led the Seahawks to wins in each of their last four games, his completion percentage saw a fairly steady drop, and his yards gained per pass attempt also suffered.
Wilson then had a nightmare against the Los Angeles Rams, completing just 11 out of 27 passes for 174 yards and throwing an interception in Seattle's Wild Card loss. It was a bitter end to what started as a tremendously promising season.
Hiring a new offensive coordinator who clicks with Wilson is incredibly important. But it will also be imperative for Seattle to upgrade the offensive line this offseason.