Seahawks Coach of the Year Drought Continues
It has been over four decades since a head coach of the Seattle Seahawks was honored with the AP NFL Coach of the Year award. This long-standing absence is particularly striking given the franchise’s transformation into a formidable contender over the past 25 years, marked by consistent winning seasons, multiple playoff appearances, and a Super Bowl championship. Yet, despite this evolution, Seattle coaches have often been overlooked, receiving recognition more for meeting modest expectations than for achieving remarkable success.
The Early Years of Recognition
The journey toward a Coach of the Year accolade for the Seahawks began in 1978, when the franchise was still in its infancy. That year, the Seahawks managed a 9-7 record, a significant leap from their dismal combined 7-21 record in their first two seasons. Head coach Jack Patera earned the award for leading the team to its first respectable season, despite the fact that they did not qualify for the playoffs.
Fast forward to 1984, when the Seahawks reached new heights. Under the guidance of Chuck Knox, the team achieved a 12-4 record, surpassing the previous franchise best of 9-7, all without star running back Curt Warner. Knox’s leadership was recognized once again as he secured the Coach of the Year award, marking his third time winning it with a different team.
Elite Teams Still Waiting for Recognition
However, the pattern shifted for the Seahawks in the years that followed. The 2005 season saw the Seahawks achieve a franchise-best 13-3 record, earning them the top seed in the playoffs for the first time. Yet, head coach Mike Holmgren was passed over for the award in favor of Lovie Smith, who led the Chicago Bears to an 11-5 record, despite navigating a season with a backup quarterback.
The 2013 season was another standout year for the Seahawks, who again finished with a 13-3 record and clinched the top playoff seed. This time, Pete Carroll found himself on the outside looking in as Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers, who led his team to a 12-4 record after years of struggle, took home the honors.
The following year, Seattle once again finished with a stellar 12-4 record, yet Carroll’s efforts were overshadowed by division rival Bruce Arians, who guided the Arizona Cardinals to an 11-5 finish.
Recent Near Misses
The trend continued in 2018, often regarded as one of Carroll’s finest coaching performances, where he led a rebuilding team to a surprising 10-win season. However, the award went to Matt Nagy, whose Chicago Bears finished at 12-4. Most recently, in 2020, the Seahawks enjoyed a stellar 12-4 season, but Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns, who finished 11-5, ultimately took home the accolade.
Seattle fans are left to ponder why their coaches have repeatedly been passed over for this prestigious honor. With the franchise’s remarkable transformation and success, the long-standing drought for the Coach of the Year award remains a perplexing chapter in Seahawks history.
