CHICAGO — Geno Smith, the quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, recently praised his former coach, Pete Carroll, highlighting his extraordinary qualities. After the Seahawks’ 6-3 victory against the Chicago Bears, Smith expressed that any team would be lucky to have Carroll as a coach.
“Coach Carroll is a unique person,” Smith said, sharing how Carroll’s positive attitude and determination inspire both players and fans alike. He added that Carroll and the team share a relentless approach to the game, emphasizing their commitment to never back down.
Smith’s sentiments were echoed by cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who characterized Carroll as a “players’ coach.” Witherspoon noted that players naturally connect with Carroll, making playing for him enjoyable rather than just a job.
Reports suggest that Carroll may be looking to return to coaching after having spent the last season in an advisory role with the Seahawks. During his time as head coach, Carroll led Seattle to its only Super Bowl victory and made numerous playoff appearances, securing his legacy as one of the premier coaches in both the NFL and college football.
Currently, the Chicago Bears are on the hunt for a new head coach following the firing of Matt Eberflus, alongside other teams like the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints that have made similar changes this season.
Carroll boasts an impressive record of 137 wins, 69 losses, and one tie during his tenure with the Seahawks, claiming five NFC West titles and a significant number of playoff victories. He made history by bringing the Lombardi Trophy to Seattle with their Super Bowl 48 win against the Denver Broncos, though the team struggled to fully recover from a heartbreaking loss in Super Bowl 49 against the New England Patriots.
Defensive end Leonard Williams, who joined the Seahawks last season, expressed his belief in Carroll’s coaching abilities despite only playing for him briefly. He emphasized his admiration for Carroll and wished he could have experienced more time under his leadership.
Overall, Smith reaffirmed that Coach Carroll has the potential to elevate any team he leads, underscoring his ability to instill confidence and drive success.