SBNation.com - Jim Mora Has Plenty To Say About Seahawks, New QB Charlie Whitehursthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46737/sbn-fave.png2010-03-22T23:59:50-04:00http://www.sbnation.com/rss/stream/10051812010-03-22T23:59:50-04:002010-03-22T23:59:50-04:00Jim Mora Has Plenty To Say About Seahawks, New QB Charlie Whitehurst
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DZVeAriPWccCRFErxceBxV0sPWY=/0x27:400x294/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828145/large_sb_nation_final.0.png" />
</figure>
<div class="commentable-body">
<p>The Seahawks had a messy divorce with former coach Jim Mora Jr. and he wants to let folks know he’s not happy about it.</p>
<p>Two things are<a href="http://mynorthwest.com/?nid=292&sid=301189"> really grinding his gears</a> about his departure:</p>
<p>1. He held a press conference as the Seahawks head coach while they were interviewing Pete Carroll for the job.</p>
<p>2. He’s never talked to owner Paul Allen.</p>
<p>But he didn’t stop there. Here’s a sampling of what Mora had to say about his former team.</p>
<p>On the Seahawks recent trade for Charlie Whitehurst:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“I had no idea who Charlie Whitehurst was until there was talk about him, I’d never heard of the guy. Then I was reminded that he was the guy that threw the interception to Nick Reed in the preseason. I don’t know much about the guy. Obviously they saw something in him and think he can he successful. I have some friends on the San Diego staff, and they’re feeling pretty darn good about the deal.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>On his relationship with Seahawks <span class="caps">CEO</span> Tod Leiweke:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“I like people that are truthful. When I was sent out to do that press conference on Wednesday, and I knew the man you are talking about was down in Southern California talking to Pete Carroll, that doesn’t sit well with a guy like me. I’m not about lies and deception. We’ll see, we’ll see what happens. I’m a pretty forgiving guy but there are certain things that take a little bit longer than others to get over.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>On whether he wishes the organization well:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“I’m not going to say I wish the organization well (but) I wish the players well. I have a lot of good friends who are players well and I wish the best for them.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p><em><a href="http://www.fieldgulls.com/">Read more about the Seahawks at Field Gulls.</a></em></p>
</div>
https://www.sbnation.com/2010/3/22/1386065/jim-mora-seahawksJoel Thorman2010-01-11T14:37:02-05:002010-01-11T14:37:02-05:00It's Official: Pete Carroll Is The New Seahawks Coach
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DZVeAriPWccCRFErxceBxV0sPWY=/0x27:400x294/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828145/large_sb_nation_final.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>We already knew this was a done deal, but the Seahawks made it official Monday afternoon that Pete Carroll will be the team’s next head coach. Carroll is expected to hold a press conference at <span class="caps">USC</span> Monday evening to say his goodbyes. <br>
<a href="http://www.seahawks.com/news/press/article-1/Seahawks-agree-to-terms-with-Pete-Carroll/85e83ef1-266d-42bd-8c11-bd423d6c8a06" target="new"><br>
Here’s the statement</a> about the hiring from Seahawks <span class="caps">CEO</span> Tod Leiweke:</p>
<p>“We are excited to add Pete as our coach. He brings a great passion for winning and a positive attitude that is contagious. We now turn our full attention to the hiring process for a general manager. Our intended structure is for Pete and the new GM to work in a collaborative capacity on football matters.”</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2010/1/11/1245654/pete-carroll-seahawks-coach-press-conference-USCChris Mottram2010-01-10T23:40:02-05:002010-01-10T23:40:02-05:00According To Reports, Pete Carroll Resigns From USC And Accepts Position As Seahawks Head Coach
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DZVeAriPWccCRFErxceBxV0sPWY=/0x27:400x294/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828145/large_sb_nation_final.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>According to sources,<a href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2010/1/10/1244778/pete-carroll-resigns-as-uscs-head" target="new"> Pete Carroll handed in his resignation to <span class="caps">USC</span> Sunday evening</a>, clearing the way for him to become the next head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. The LA Times is reporting that <a href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/college/usc/" target="new">he has in fact accepted that offer</a>.<span class="caps"></span></p>
<p><span class="caps">USC</span> blog Conquest Chronicle is already a little worn-out by the news. They’ve passed denial, anger, bargaining and depression and <a href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2010/1/10/1244778/pete-carroll-resigns-as-uscs-head" target="new">find themselves on acceptance already</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I am not upset…this all makes perfect sense. When you look back on the season you could see the the toll being taken. Pete Carroll has said in the past that a coaches message tends wear thin within 5-7 years…Carroll has been at <span class="caps">USC</span> for 9. It is clear that it was time for him and time for <span class="caps">USC</span>.</p>
<p>The reasons at this point are immaterial…people will and have already drawn their own conclusions. That is fine, but we must move on…</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Let the head coaching rumor mill and interview process begin! Then again, they both already have…</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2010/1/10/1244819/pete-carroll-resigns-usc-accepts-seahawks-head-coachSean Keeley2010-01-09T20:31:46-05:002010-01-09T20:31:46-05:00Who's The Next USC Coach? Fisher, Del Rio Rumored To Be Persons Of Interest
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DZVeAriPWccCRFErxceBxV0sPWY=/0x27:400x294/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828145/large_sb_nation_final.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>As the USC Trojans transition from a "we lost our head coach" phase into a "we need a new head coach" phase, all sorts of names are being thrown around. <a href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=td-newsflash010910&prov=yhoo&type=lgns">Yahoo's Tom Dienhart offers nine -- yes, nine -- possibilities.</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>With Pete Carroll reportedly close to becoming the coach of the Seattle Seahawks, USC will likely target Jacksonville Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio, Oregon State coach Mike Riley and Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher as his replacement.<br><br>USC also may have interest in Boise State’s Chris Petersen. TCU’s Gary Patterson, Stanford’s Jim Harbaugh, Temple’s Al Golden, ex-Texas A&M coach Dennis Franchione and Utah’s Kyle Whittingham.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The first three names mentioned are probably the most interesting. After his Titans stumbled to an 0-6 start in 2009, Fisher oversaw an extraordinary turnaround that resulted in an 8-8 finish. Del Rio's Jaguars, meanwhile, finished in the AFC South cellar but at least managed to poke themselves into the playoff discussion.</p>
<p>In his second stint at Oregon State, Riley led the Beavers to six bowl appearances, five of which they won. If USC were to tab Riley for the head coaching position, it would only add to the domino effect that has the college coaching situation at large in a state of flux.</p>
<p>As always, check out our USC blog, <a href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com">Conquest Chronicles</a>, for more as the situation unfolds and more names are thrown around. And if you're a nervous Beavers fan, check out our Oregon State blog, <a href="http://www.buildingthedam.com/">Building the Dam.</a></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2010/1/9/1243184/pete-carroll-replacement-usc-head-coach-jack-del-rio-jeff-fisherJon Bois2010-01-09T12:53:13-05:002010-01-09T12:53:13-05:00Sources: Carroll, Seahawks Agree To Contract In Principle
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DZVeAriPWccCRFErxceBxV0sPWY=/0x27:400x294/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828145/large_sb_nation_final.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>It’s not quite official, but all signs point to Pete Carroll bolting from <span class="caps">USC</span> and becoming the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Multiple sources have reported that both sides have agreed in principle to a contract that would pay Carroll $7 million-per-year for five years.</p>
<p>ESPN’s <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4810861" target="new">Adam Schefter reports</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Carroll was fully expected to be introduced by the Seahawks as early as Monday, assuming they comply with the Rooney Rule this weekend.</p>
<p>The hangup could be locating a candidate to interview that would put the Seahawks in compliance with the rule, which requires teams to interview a minority candidate for head-coaching and senior-football-operations hires. […]</p>
<p>But the bottom line is, Carroll’s agreement with Seattle is “100 percent done,” one <span class="caps">NFL</span> source close to the situation said.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Bear in mind: the last time Pete Carrol coached in the <span class="caps">NFL</span>, it was… not spectacular. In college, Pete Carroll was excellent at running a program, and indeed, his <span class="caps">USC</span> teams consistently had superior talent to their opponents. That’s part of the game in college, and part of what made Carroll one of the game's true titans.</p>
<p>In the <span class="caps">NFL</span>, however, it’s a level playing field, and Carroll’s track record is far less glamorous. At 33-31, he’s been solid, but his Jets and Patriots teams were famous for late-season swoons. Will Carroll’s third stop in the <span class="caps">NFL</span> be the charm for Seattle?</p>
<p>Maybe, but at $35 million it’s a big, big gamble.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2010/1/9/1242602/pete-carroll-seattle-seahawks-leaving-uscAndrew Sharp2010-01-08T21:33:58-05:002010-01-08T21:33:58-05:00Carroll Reportedly Accepts Seahawks Job
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DZVeAriPWccCRFErxceBxV0sPWY=/0x27:400x294/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828145/large_sb_nation_final.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>USC coach Pete Carroll, who has been linked to the Seattle Seahawks in rumors all evening, <a href="http://www.dailynews.com/ci_14151185">has reportedly accepted the head coaching job in principle.</a> The two sides are apparently deliberating on final details, so the deal isn't official just yet. It remains to be seen whether Carroll will also have the team president position he desires.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the L.A. Daily News is looking to USC's future:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span id="RDS_Site">Athletic director Mike Garrett is expected to target Oregon State coach Mike Riley as his No. 1 choice. The other top candidates are former USC players: Jacksonville Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio and Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher. Another possible candidate, according to sources, is Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh. </span></p>
</blockquote>
https://www.sbnation.com/2010/1/8/1241918/pete-carroll-seahawks-coach-official-deal-signJon Bois2010-01-08T20:36:33-05:002010-01-08T20:36:33-05:00Report: Carroll Nearing Deal To Become Team President As Well As Head Coach
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DZVeAriPWccCRFErxceBxV0sPWY=/0x27:400x294/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828145/large_sb_nation_final.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The Los Angeles Times is reporting an interesting development in the Pete-Carroll-to-Seahawks story: in addition to head coaching duties, <a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/01/08/report-carroll-close-to-five-year-35m-deal/">Carroll wants to be named team president as well.</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Although the Seahawks and Carroll are close to a deal, which is believed to be a five-year contract to become president and head coach at $7 million a year, nothing has been signed, said sources close to the situation who are not authorized to speak on his behalf.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/01/08/report-carroll-close-to-five-year-35m-deal/">Pro Football Talk weighs in</a> on why Carroll might be so interested in the position of team president:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Carroll has often attributed his mediocre record in New England to his lack of control over personnel. That wouldn't be a problem in Seattle, where the president tag indicates Carroll would run just about everything.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>To read about this story from the pespective of possibly-jilted Trojans fans, check in with our USC blog <a href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/">Conquest Chronicles</a>. To read more about what this might mean for Seattle, visit our Seahawks blog, <a href="http://www.fieldgulls.com/">Field Gulls</a>.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2010/1/8/1241864/pete-carroll-seahawks-coach-team-president-sign-contract-dealJon Bois2010-01-08T16:42:06-05:002010-01-08T16:42:06-05:00Seahawks Reportedly Interviewed Pete Carroll Earlier In Week, Before Firing Jim Mora
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DZVeAriPWccCRFErxceBxV0sPWY=/0x27:400x294/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828145/large_sb_nation_final.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>If you think the Seahawks are moving quickly on the coaching front after firing Jim Mora this afternoon, there’s a reason — they surreptitiously laid the groundwork the past few days. <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2010/01/pete-carroll-seattle-seahawks-jim-mora-coach.html" target="new">According to the LA Times</a>, the Seahawks — including <span class="caps">CEO</span> Tod Leiweke — interviewed Pete Carroll earlier this week to assess his interest in their head coaching job before they fired Jim Mora.</p>
<p>Fox’s Jay Glazer further <a href="http://twitter.com/Jay_Glazer/status/7531701995" target="new">reports</a> that the Seahawks are prepared to extend Carroll an “exorbitant” and “very substantial” offer to become their head coach.</p>
<p>Given that the Seahawks apparently tested the waters before firing Mora, it seems likely that Carroll will join the Seahawks imminently. <a href="http://twitter.com/ZachZaidman/status/7530990604" target="new">Reports from ESPN’s Chris Mortensen</a> that Carroll is supposedly trying to persuade his offensive coordinator at <span class="caps">USC</span>, Jim Bates, to follow him to Seattle certainly corroborates these reports.</p>
<p>Stay tuned.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/2010/1/8/1241495/pete-carroll-seahawks-interview-jim-mora-firedMatt O'Brien