Pete Carroll. Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks shockingly announced that they would be parting ways on Wednesday, but Carroll added some extra intrigue to the move shortly after it was made public.

Carroll spoke to the media shortly after the team announced that he would move into a front-office role. The 72-year-old said he would aid in the search for his successor, but dropped one bit of information suggesting that the move was not really his call.

“I competed pretty hard to be the coach, just so you know,” Carroll told reporters.

Carroll added that it was too soon for him to discuss whether he might coach again, but pointedly did not close the door on the possibility.

It certainly sounds like Carroll was pushed out by the Seahawks, who wanted to go in a different direction. Carroll is proving to be a good sport about it, but the quotes certainly point to that outcome. He said he was eager to continue in his job on Sunday after the team’s final game and did not really back away from that sentiment even after his departure was announced.

Perhaps Carroll will not be taking another job this offseason, but it would be foolish to rule him out of any position going forward.

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