Geno Smith says Seahawks firing Pete Carroll was a 'terrible moment'

A new era is beginning in the Emerald City. The Seattle Seahawks moved on from longtime head coach Pete Carroll and have gone with former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald as their new top man. There are not enough words in the English language to truly describe what Carroll meant to this organization, city, region, and fan base.

Someone who likely shares this sentiment is quarterback Geno Smith, who lamented the decision as a “terrible moment” when recently asked about the departure of Coach Carroll.

#Seahawks @thenewstribune video: Geno Smith says the team firing Pete Carroll in January was a “terrible moment” for the QB for all the coach did for him.

Smith also gives his 1st impression of Ryan Grubb, Seattle's new offensive coordinator: https://t.co/4TxnjPh1xv

— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) April 10, 2024

Smith’s loyalty to Carroll is certainly understandable and commendable. Smith was completely relegated to a draft bust-turned-backup journeyman. He found a home in Seattle backing up Russell Wilson before finally earning the starting position after Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos.

Many at the time believed Smith was merely a placeholder until Drew Lock took over, as the Seahawks acquired him in the Wilson/Denver trade. Instead, Smith shocked the world and proved himself to be literally a Pro Bowl caliber quarterback.

This likely would not be the case if it weren’t for Pete Carroll, championing Smith in his corner.

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This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Geno Smith says Seahawks firing Pete Carroll was a ‘terrible moment’