In a surprising turn of events, Seattle Seahawks General Manager John Schneider announced that the team has decided to move forward with other candidates for their offensive coordinator position, effectively ending Adam Stenavich’s interview process. Stenavich, the current offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, had been one of the top candidates for the Seahawks’ job, but reports indicate that his interview did not meet the team’s expectations.
The decision has sparked a fair amount of speculation and discussion throughout the NFL, as Stenavich had been widely regarded as one of the more promising young offensive minds in the league. His tenure with the Packers has been marked by impressive offensive growth, particularly under the guidance of head coach Matt LaFleur. Stenavich’s work with the Packers’ offensive line and his ability to adapt the offense to the strengths of quarterback Aaron Rodgers made him a highly coveted candidate for teams looking for fresh ideas on offense.
Seattle’s move to pass on Stenavich raises a few eyebrows, especially considering the team’s current need for offensive innovation. The Seahawks have been in a state of transition, with Russell Wilson’s departure to Denver leading to the rise of Geno Smith as the starting quarterback in 2022. While Smith exceeded expectations, Seattle’s offense still seemed to be searching for its true identity, and many believed that Stenavich’s reputation for offensive creativity could have helped unlock the team’s potential.
However, there were some signs during the interview process that may have led to Stenavich’s loss of favor with the Seahawks. Schneider, known for his careful, strategic approach to team building, has often emphasized the need for a balanced offense, one that can both move the ball through the air and establish a strong running game. Despite Stenavich’s success in Green Bay, his system has been more pass-heavy, relying heavily on Rodgers’ arm and quick-hitting pass schemes to dictate tempo. This could have been seen as a potential mismatch with Seattle’s long-standing commitment to a more run-oriented attack, especially with the presence of star running back Kenneth Gainwell and the desire to improve the offensive line.
Moreover, the Seahawks’ decision to move in a different direction could also signal that Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll are looking for a different kind of offensive philosophy. Carroll has been known for his emphasis on team culture and physicality, and the failure to align with Stenavich’s vision may have made it difficult for both sides to see eye-to-eye on what the future of the offense should look like. The Seahawks have also been rumored to be considering more up-tempo, modern offensive approaches, and Stenavich’s lack of experience with that kind of offense could have played a role in the team’s decision.
In any case, Seattle now finds itself once again searching for the right offensive coordinator to help guide their offense into the next phase. While the team has not yet named a replacement for Stenavich, the search will likely continue in earnest, with Schneider and Carroll both looking for a candidate who can bring fresh ideas, while still fitting into the team’s broader strategic vision. Whether the decision to pass on Stenavich was a mistake or a sign of greater things to come for the Seahawks remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the future of the team’s offense will depend heavily on the hire that is ultimately made in this critical position.
