John Schneider will extend his contract as Seattle Seahawks general manager until 2027; Brian Schottenheimer was fired as an offensive coordinator because of ‘philosophical differences’; Seattle lost to the LA Rams in the NFL Playoffs
Last updated: 13/01/21 7:15 am
Seattle fired Brian Schottenheimer after a season in which the team set several offensive records
On the same day they moved to secure their future by signing general manager John Schneider to a long-term contract extension, the Seattle Seahawks fired offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
The Seahawks struggled with offense throughout the second half of the season, then lost 30-20 to the Los Angeles Rams last weekend in the Wild Card round of the NFL Playoffs.
The team announced on Twitter: “Brian Schottenheimer is an outstanding man and coach and we are grateful to him for the past three years. By naming philosophical differences, we have found ways to break up.”
Schottenheimer had caught fire amid the recession at the end of the season.
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Just a day earlier, head coach Pete Carroll said on his radio show when asked if Schottenheimer would be back next season saying, “We got more points than any team in the franchise ‘s history, “and told the media,” I’m counting on everyone to come back. “
The 459-point club record can be misleading, as the team averaged 35.9 points in the first eight games, then managed just 21.5 points in the game in the last eight. Seattle has held on to 20 or fewer points in four of the last six games, including a playoff loss.
Schottenheimer spent three seasons as Seattle’s offensive coordinator, following the heavily involved Darrell Bevell, who was fired after the 2017 season.
John Schneider has signed a new contract until 2027
Earlier in the day, the team announced that Schneider, the architect of two Super Bowl teams, signed a contract extension to stay in the job for a further six years. The club have not announced financial terms for Schneider, who is in his 11th season in office.
Profitability had been raised that teams with GM openings, including the Detroit Lions, would go after him. His previous contract would have expired after the 2022 draft.
“I am pleased to announce that we have extended the contract of general manager John Schneider through the 2027 draft,” said team chairman Jody Allen.
“For the past ten years, John and head coach Pete Carroll have formed a unique partnership and the Seahawks have established a thriving, unique and successful culture that is respected through sport. I know we are all excited to see that continue. “
Carroll is signed during the 2025 season.
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Schneider and Carroll have been together since 2010. In that time, the Seahawks have reached the postseason nine times, including eight of the past nine seasons. They have won five NFC West titles, two NFC tournaments and a Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014.
The Seahawks have nine straight winning seasons – the longest mark in the NFL. They finished 2020 with a 12-4 mark and won the NFC West.
Prior to joining the Seahawks, Schneider, 49, held various NFL jobs. He had two series with the Green Bay Packers, including being director of football activity in 2008 and 2009.