The Seattle Seahawks announced Wednesday it fired offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and offensive line coach Tom Cable after seven seasons with the team.
"We are challenged by change, but excited to attack the future with great purpose. I want to thank both Tom and Darrell for their role in helping take this program to a championship level. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to coach and compete alongside these great men," head coach Pete Carroll said in a statement posted to Twitter.
Bevell has been calling the plays for the Seahawks offense all throughout Russell Wilson and Doug Baldwin's impressive careers. But he has also been a target for frustrated fans who feel the offense can do more, often charging to social media with the hashtag #FireBevell.
Bevell's playcalling helped put Seattle at or near the top of the league in rushing from 2012-2015. Much of that was also due to the presence of running back Marshawn Lynch, Wilson's scrambling ability, and an offensive line that was better in the earlier half of Bevell's tenure. Seattle also finished fourth in the league in total offense in 2015.
When the running game struggled the past couple of seasons, the offense turned to the air, with Wilson setting team records for passing yards and Baldwin becoming a 1,000-yard receiver.
Seattle fell to 23rd in rushing in 2017, with Wilson leading the team on the ground with 586 yards. The next-closest player was running back Mike Davis with 240 yards. The Seahawks finished 15th out of 32 teams in total offense last season.
The Seahawks missed the playoffs for the first time since Bevell's first season in Seattle.
It was the Seahawks' final offensive play of Super Bowl XLIX three years ago that drew the most heat from Seahawks fans. With the ball at the one-yard line in the final seconds and needing a touchdown to win, Seattle did not hand the ball to the bruising Lynch. Instead, Wilson threw the now infamous interception that left people across the league scratching their heads and the New England Patriots with their fourth Lombardi Trophy.
Head coach Pete Carroll tried to take the heat for the call, but much of the blame was still put on Bevell's shoulders.
Cable was often credited with being a guru at developing offensive line talent. It's part of the reason Seattle's run game was so dominant in those four seasons. But the key pieces of that experienced offensive line were traded away or got away in free agency over the years, replaced with less experienced and project players. That often left Wilson scrambling from the moment he took the snap in 2016 and 2017.
"It's been a really cool experience to coach for my hometown team, and I want to thank Mr. Allen, Pete Carroll, John Schneider, coaches, players and staff for their support," Cable said in a statement. "Seattle is where I grew up and it will always remain a special place to me."
