Jeremy Bates is out as Seahawks offensive coordinator, a move that hints at more trouble beneath the surface in Seattle than Pete Carroll’s perpetually sunny words would indicate.
Bates’ clashes with former offensive line coach Alex Gibbs reportedly caused Gibbs to leave, according to Steve Kelley of the Seattle Times.
Bates was reportedly a “problem from the beginning” because he was too stubborn and didn’t want to mold his system to his player’s talents. The inability to develop Golden Tate also hurt Bates.
So where do the Seahawks go from here?
There doesn’t appear to be a clear succession plan. They spoke with Josh McDaniels, but McD wound up with division rival St. Louis. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Seahawks made a last-ditch effort to bring back quarterbacks coach Jedd Fisch to run the offense. Fisch decided to stay at the University of Miami, where he accepted the coordinator job next week.
NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora reports that former Vikings coordinator Darrell Bevell will interview with the Seahawks. He was originally supposed to be meet about the team’s quarterbacks job, but now will talk about a coordinator position last week.
The Seahawks may also speak to Jim Zorn or Bill Musgrave about the opening.
Put it all together, and the 2011 Seahawks offense will be starting from scratch once again. Once they find someone to run it.
