Pete Carroll wipes away tears after poignant tribute in final Seahawks press conference
Pete Carroll is no longer the man in charge in Seattle.
After 14 seasons as the Seahawks head coach, which includes the franchise's only Super Bowl win, Carroll has been removed from his position but will remain with the organisation as an advisor.
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The 72-year-old has deep emotional ties to the city of Seattle and its team, which was on full display during his poignant final press conference.
During Wednesday's presser, Carroll wiped away tears as he paid tribute to his wife, Glena, and their children for their support throughout his tenure.
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"This is worth crying for," Carroll said while fighting back tears.
"It's been an honor and a thrill to be a part of this program," he went on.
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"I've loved every minute of it and you've watched me love it.
"Glena, nobody would ever understand how significant [you are]. She's been through all of the stuff that we've been through and how important she is... She has just been the angel of my life.
Carroll also went on to thank his sons, Brennan and Nate, who have been part of the Seahawks coaching staff over recent years.
"They were harsh and their critiques were rash and the whole thing...it was perfect," Carroll said.
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"Because they needed that loyalty and they were the epitome of it for me. And so, I'll forever be grateful. They know."
After the press conference ended, Carroll received a heartwarming round of applause from reporters in attendance as he left the stage.
The Seahawks announced the bombshell news on Wednesday.
"After thoughtful meetings and careful consideration for the best interest of the franchise, we have amicably agreed with Pete Carroll that his role will evolve from Head Coach to remain with the organization as an advisor,"; owner Jody Allen said in a statement.
"Pete is the winningest coach in Seahawks history, brought the city its first Super Bowl title, and created a tremendous impact over the past 14 years on the field and in the community.
"His expertise in leadership and building a championship culture will continue as an integral part of our organization moving forward.
"Pete will always be a beloved member of the Seahawks family."
The iconic gum chewer was hired by the Seahawks in 2010 and, until Wednesday, was the NFL's longest serving coach.
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In 14 seasons he compiled a 137-89-1 record and took the team to two Super Bowls, winning Super Bowl XLVIII against the Broncos in 2014 to deliver the franchise its first world championship.
Carroll's "Legion of Boom" squad that season, spearheaded by Richard Sherman, as well as quarterback Russell Wilson and "Beast Mode" Marshawn Lynch, made for one of the most memorable rosters in recent years.
They were denied back-to-back Super Bowl wins a year later after Russell Wilson's infamous interception against the Patriots in the final seconds of Super Bowl XLIX.
The Seahawks have missed the playoffs in two of the past three seasons, including this year after they finished 9-8 and ultimately lost a playoff berth to the Green Bay Packers.
His final ever game in the Seattle hotseat was a 21-20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
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