Seattle Seahawks, citing ‘philosophical differences’, with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer

SEATTLE – In a surprising move, the Seattle Seahawks and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer have parted ways after three seasons.

The Seahawks announced the decision on Tuesday, citing “philosophical differences” as the reason for the split, while calling Schottenheimer “a fantastic person and coach.”

The Seahawks scored the most points in franchise history last season, but their offense fell sharply in the second half. Seattle led the league in offensive points with 34 points per game in the first nine weeks, but that average has dropped to 22.6 points per game in the final eight weeks of the regular season.

The Seahawks’ offensive bouts continued in a 30-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC playoff game three days ago. Quarterback Russell Wilson’s 40.7% completion rate on 11 of 27 assists was tied for the second-lowest of his career, while his 17.6 QBR tally was his worst in 16 playoff games in career, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.

The Seahawks’ deep passing play was one of the reasons the offense declined in the second half. Wilson completed at least one 30-yard pass in each of Seattle’s first eight games of the season; he’s had three of those finishes in total in the last nine games of the season, including the playoffs.

Coach Pete Carroll declined to discuss the future of his coordinators when asked at his end-of-season press conference if he expects them to return.

Schottenheimer’s offense set a number of Seahawks records, but after a meeting last night it was clear there were philosophical differences between Schottenheimer and Carroll, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported. They decided that a separation was in the best interests of both parties.