-
Brady HendersonESPN
SEATTLE – Russell Wilson did not want the Seattle Seahawks to leave Brian Schottenheimer as their offensive coordinator.
He wants to say something next.
Wilson left the last known point to coach Pete Carroll and reporters during a video conference on Thursday.
“I think it is vital, it is critical, super significant, obviously, that I am part of this process,” said Wilson. “The coach and I definitely talked about this, [general manager John Schneider] too. We had some … great conversations about the thinking process of who we want, the leader … the innovator, all that kind of different thing that you want. I think it’s the super critical thing, obviously at this point in my career because you spend every day with that person … For how many hours Schotty and I spent together, I will miss the guy because we spent a lot of time together and worked a lot.
“The next person, whoever they are, it is very important that we are on the same page all the time and always talking and vibrating and really, really on the same page.”
The Seahawks announced on Tuesday that Schottenheimer was out after three seasons, citing philosophical differences. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Carroll and Schottenheimer met on Monday night and mutually decided that the split was in the best interests of both parties.
“If you’re asking me if I was for it, don’t,” said Wilson, choosing his words carefully. “It was not my decision to change [from] Schotty. But I think Coach Carroll made that decision. I trust your decision. “
Schottenheimer’s departure came after the end of an odd season in which the Seahawks scored most points in the franchise’s history, but regressed strongly over the second half of the season. His fights continued last week in his wild card loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Wilson led the NFL in touchdown passes with 28 in the first nine weeks of the season, while Seattle led the league with 34 points per game in that period. But Wilson made just 12 touchdown passes in the last eight weeks of the regular season, while Seattle’s score dropped to 22.6 points per game.
Wilson praised Schottenheimer as a coach, leader and friend, saying he became close to Schottenheimer’s family.
“I think he will be an incredible coach for someone else, for some other team here, I hope,” said Wilson. “I think he will be the head coach. I think he has that kind of leadership ability. Unfortunately for us, I think in the coach’s eyes, it was kind of time to see if we could make a change. We were the best offensive player in football during the first half of the season. He was an important part of that. “
If Wilson has a specific name in mind that he expects the Seahawks to hire, he didn’t offer many clues. When asked what he is looking for in his next CO, Wilson mentioned leadership, a passion for football, teaching skills and the ability to find the strengths of all 11 players.