Following a disappointing Wild Card loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the Seahawks have started to make decisions on their front office and coaching staff. GM John Schneider signed a new five-year extension through the 2027 season while OC Brian Schottenheimer was let go.
The news of Schneider coming back has been mostly met with happiness from the fan base. The GM has been with the club since the 2010 season and was a big reason why they have had so much success over the past decade, with the high point being back-to-back Super Bowl appearances. With that being said, some fans have been vocal about their displeasure for Schneider after his draft magic seemed to be wearing off over the past few seasons.
No matter the side of the coin people were on, the fact that Schneider was being linked to several GM openings around the league meant that the Hawks had to act fast in their decision. The news of him re-signing did get a positive response from quarterback Russell Wilson, who said in a tweet Schneider was “The best in the business.”
The best in the business. https://t.co/06bki4uk1T
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) January 12, 2021
The other news was not quite as decisive with fans or players, and that was OC Brian Schottenheimer would not be returning next season. Many have criticized his playing calling ability despite the fact the Seahawks have finished top 10 in offense the past two seasons. Many feel he doesn’t utilize Russell Wilson to the best of his ability or that his play calling is too vanilla and predictable.
Fans had been calling for Schottenheimer to be fired the past two seasons, but the chants became even louder when the Seahawks offense seemed to drop off the face of the map late this season. Russell Wilson was having an MVP caliber season the first half, just to have his worst stretch of games in his career over the second half. Now some of the blame has gone to Wilson and rightfully so, but the front office clearly put the bulk of the blame on the OC. The team said in a statement that they parted ways with Schottenheimer based on ‘philosophical differences.’
Whatever the reason, the Seahawks now have the opportunity to find a new offensive coordinator for Wilson. With so many new, young and inventive minds coming into the game, it will be interesting to see the path that this origination chooses as they continue to look for the success they once had.
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Russell is the Content Director for the Eli Network. He studied broadcast journalism at Eastern Oregon and North Dakota State University. Mostly covers soccer and basketball in the Seattle area and is the current play-by-play voice for Seattle Redhawks basketball. You can follow him @brussbrwn.
