Seattle Seahawks General Manager John Schneider.
Just when everything seems to be running as smoothly as it can for the Seattle Seahawks during the pandemic, something comes along to rock the boat. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport broke some major news on Sunday morning. “Lions plan to make a run at Seahawks GM John Schneider.”
I read that and thought, WHAT?!?!?! No! The Detroit Lions can’t hire away Schneider. They need to find their own mastermind general manager.
Detroit is arguably the longest-suffering organization in the NFL. Why? I’m not sure. Recent history shows just how awful it’s been. In this century, they have 16 losing seasons (including 0–16 in 2008). In that time, the Lions made three playoff appearances, all as a wildcard and all three were one and done. Their record is 119-216-1, second-worst behind Cleveland. Even the Jets haven’t sucked that bad!
Detroit going after Schneider would be a smart move for them. It’d also be a horrific loss for the Seahawks. Before Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll‘s arrival, the Seahawks were down and out. The team’s combined record for 2008 and 2009 was 9–23.
Since Schneider’s came on board, the Seattle Seahawks have finished as low as third in the NFC West once. The Seahawks have made the playoffs nine times, won five NFC West Division titles, made two Super Bowl appearances, and hoisted the Lombardi Trophy. Their record during this stretch is 112–63–1, fourth-best in the NFL behind, New England, Green Bay, and Pittsburgh.
These 11 years have been the highest bit of success the organization has sustained in a long time.
So, it’s not surprising the Lions are interested in Schneider. He is under team control, and the NFL has anti-tampering rules. What is there to worry about? Why would Schneider want to leave?
“The pasture on the other side of Mount Rainier might be greener.” Schneider is a midwesterner, and the Lions represent a move back to his roots (Wisconsin native). In 2018, when the Green Bay Packers moved on from then-GM Ted Thompson, the rumors were great that Schneider would go back to the Pack. They were the first NFL organization he worked for.
Obviously, he didn’t, as he’s still Seattle’s GM. That can be explained by Schneider being under contract until 2021 with no “out clause.” Well, 2021 is here, and his contract ends after the 2022 draft, that’s about 16 months. Set the Schneider Departure Panic Level to 7 (out of 10).
What could the Lions possibly offer that’s enticing enough for Schneider to leave? This is what the Lions have to offer primary authority over all personnel decisions. In Seattle, the power resides with Carroll. This isn’t a big issue since both are men are on the same wavelength. Under the NFL’s anti-tampering policy, the Lions or another team can try to interview Schneider only if they offered him full control. In other words, a big promotion. Escalate to Panic Level 9! A job with that kind of power, along with a nice pay raise, can be enticing enough for Schneider to move.
One other incentive for Schneider to move on is that Carroll casts a long shadow. The only way he gets out from under it is to be successful someplace else. Certainly, a temptation if Schneider was ego-driven. Something he hasn’t shown in a decade in the Emerald City.
If it comes down to personnel and winning, Seattle has Detroit beat by a mile. Both teams have elite-level quarterbacks (Russell Wilson and Matthew Stafford) as well as offensive and defensive lines that need more work. That’s where the similarities end. The Seahawks have a huge advantage in skill position players. They are a winning team. Their window for success is open for another few seasons. Additionally, Seattle offers stability. Pete Carroll has been the Seahawks head coach since 2010. The hire Detroit is about to make will be their fifth head coach in the same amount of time.
Schneider addressed Rapoport’s report. His full quote is on the internet. To paraphrase, Schneider said that he and his wife love Seattle, Coach Carroll, the 12s, and Seahawks ownership. This time of year always leads to lots of rumors. “Drop panic level to 5.”
It’s GM speak. 12s should recognize that Schneider needed to say what he did if he remained silent, the speculation increases that he’s leaving. Those comments also endear him to the fan base. Schneider has proven himself to be a strong negotiator. He knows how to play his hand. Ownership would be smart to extend Schneider’s contract now. Preferably, tying Carroll and Schneider together until 2025, when Carroll’s contract expires.
There are other incentives for Schneider to stay in the Emerald City. Carroll is 69-years-old, he’ll be 74 when his contract ends. Though Coach Pete shows a much younger man’s energy and enthusiasm, it’s unlikely he stays in the job that long. At that point, Schneider is the last man standing. Personnel control shifts over to him. He’d also be able to hire his guy as Carroll’s replacement. In doing so, laying a foundation for another long and prosperous run.
Schneider already passed on his dream job in Green Bay. So, he’s not likely to leave now.
My final thought is, I don’t expect Schneider to leave the Seahawks. At least not now, but until he signs a Seahawks extension, I won’t rule out the possibility of him leaving.