'Terrible!' Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith Reveals Reaction to Pete Carroll Firing

Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith opened up about his relationship with former head coach Pete Carroll.

Sep 24, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll talks with QB Geno Smith / Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith experienced a revival to his NFL career under Pete Carroll, so naturally, seeing his former head coach part ways with the team earlier this offseason wasn't exactly easy on the veteran signal-caller.

Smith spoke about Carroll and what he meant to him while talking with the media on Wednesday.

"That day is a day I'll probably remember forever," Smith said of when Carroll was fired. "Just because of how things happened for me here. Obviously Coach Carroll, big influence on my career, helped me out a bunch when I came to this organization, really helped me and thrust me into this spotlight that I'm in now."

Jan 7, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll talks with Seattle QB Geno Smith / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

"For me, it was kind of just a terrible moment to see someone that I love so much having to part ways," Smith said. "That's the way the NFL, that's the way things go."

Smith has been Seattle's starter the past two seasons, and new head coach Mike Macdonald has already confirmed that will remain the case in 2024. Beyond that, though, there's some uncertainty, as Smith has a potential out in his contract next offseason. If he doesn't play up to expectations this upcoming season, Seattle will have some decisions to make.

The Seahawks traded for Washington Commanders QB Sam Howell, giving Smith a new backup after Drew Lock signed with the New York Giants. Seattle general manager John Schneider has always been high on Howell and could potentially view him as the long-term answer at quarterback if the team parts ways with Geno after this season.

But for now, Smith and the Seahawks can't afford to reflect on the past or question the future. With the talent on the current roster, the expectation is for Seattle to make it back to the playoffs after barely missing out last season.

"Very excited for what we have here now and just the direction we're headed in," Smith said.