SOURCES: Russell Wilson asked to fire Pete Carroll, Seahawks GM. QB denies the report

Before the Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to the Broncos, the quarterback asked the team’s firefighting coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider, league sources report. the athlete. On Friday, Wilson denied the report in a tweet, saying “I never wanted (Carroll or Schneider) to be fired.” Here’s what you need to know:

• Wilson was convinced Carroll and Schneider were getting in the way of his quest to win Super Bowls and additional individual awards, according to league sources who spoke to the athlete On condition of anonymity as they are not authorized to discuss details.
• The quarterback had a preferred replacement in mind: Sean Payton, who had recently resigned from the New Orleans Saints.
• Wilson filed his request to fire the coach and GM in February 2022. Within days of his call, senior team officials met and decided to pursue trading the nine-time Pro Bowler, sources say.
• Patton and Wilson are now united in Denver after the Broncos hired the coach this offseason.

the background

On March 8, 2022, the Seahawks’ leadership publicly supported Carroll and Schneider by sending Wilson, the most successful quarterback in franchise history, to the Broncos for five draft picks and three players.

Before the start of the 2022 season, Wilson waived his non-trade clause and signed a five-year, $245 million extension. He told his new teammates that he accepted Denver as his destination because he believed the Broncos could win championships.

However, Wilson’s plans did not get off to a good start in his first season in Denver. He threw for 3,524 yards with career lows in touchdowns (16) and completion percentage (60.5) across 15 games. The Broncos went 5-12, including a Week 1 loss to Seattle, and finished last in the AFC West. Amidst the Denver Storm season, head coach Nathaniel Hackett shot 15 games in his first year with the organization.

For more on Wilson and his disastrous first season with the Broncos, read on Athletic Full story from Kalyn Kahler, Mike Sando, and Jayson Jenks here.

what are they saying

On Friday, Wilson He responded to the report on Twitter.

“I loved Pete and he was a father figure to me, and John believed in me and molded me too,” said Wilson. “I never wanted to fire them. All either of us wanted was to win. I will always respect them and love Seattle.”

(Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images)