Rebuilding in the Pacific Northwest: Lessons from the Seahawks' Misstep and What the Seattle Kraken Can Do Differently

The National Football League (NFL) is known for its intense rivalries and drama-filled seasons. The Seattle Seahawks, a beloved franchise in the Pacific Northwest, are no exception. After their Super Bowl XLVIII championship in 2014, the Seahawks began to experience a decline in performance, leading to a rebuilding phase that has left many fans questioning the team's direction. Meanwhile, the Seattle Kraken, the city's newest NHL expansion team, is attempting to make a similar mark in the sports world. But what can the Kraken do differently to avoid the same missteps as the Seahawks?

The Seahawks' Rebuilding Process

Overview of the Seahawks' Rebuilding Process

The Seahawks' rebuilding process began after their 2016 season, when they finished with a 10-6 record but failed to make the playoffs. The team's owner, Jody Allen, and general manager, John Schneider, decided to make significant changes to the roster and coaching staff. The team drafted several players, including quarterback Russell Wilson and wide receiver Doug Baldwin, and hired new coaches, including head coach Pete Carroll.

Key Decisions Made During the Rebuilding Process

• The Seahawks decided to draft quarterback Russell Wilson with the 75th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, which turned out to be a successful move.
• The team traded for wide receiver Golden Tate and signed free agent tight end Jimmy Graham, adding depth to the receiving corps.
• The Seahawks hired defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who brought a new defensive scheme and emphasis on speed and athleticism.
• The team also made significant changes to the coaching staff, including the hiring of quarterbacks coach Darrell Bevell and defensive coordinator Jerry Brewer.

However, despite these changes, the Seahawks were unable to sustain their level of success, and the team continued to experience injuries and inconsistencies. The team's rebuild has been slow and uneven, with some seasons showing promise while others have been disappointing.

Lessons Learned from the Seahawks' Rebuilding Process

The Importance of Proper Drafting and Development

• The Seahawks' decision to draft Russell Wilson was a key factor in their success during the early years of the rebuilding process.
• However, the team also made mistakes in developing players, such as linebacker Brock Huard, who was drafted in the first round in 2001 but failed to live up to expectations.
• The Seahawks also struggled with player development, particularly in the secondary, where they failed to produce consistent performers.

The Need for Smart Free Agent Signings

• The Seahawks made several smart free agent signings during the rebuilding process, including the addition of wide receiver Golden Tate and tight end Jimmy Graham.
• However, the team also made some questionable signings, such as the addition of quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, who failed to live up to expectations.

The Seattle Kraken's Rebuilding Process

Overview of the Seattle Kraken's Rebuilding Process

The Seattle Kraken, the city's newest NHL expansion team, is also undergoing a rebuilding process. After being awarded an expansion franchise in 2018, the Kraken have been working to build a competitive team from the ground up. The team's general manager, Ron Francis, and head coach, Dave Hakstol, have made several key moves to shape the team's roster and culture.

Key Decisions Made by the Kraken

• The Kraken have made significant investments in the organization, including the signing of several high-profile free agents, such as center Jarred Schultz and forward Ethan Bear.
• The team has also made several trades, including the acquisition of defenseman Will Borgen and forward Darcy Kuemper's brother, Paul Kuemper.
• The Kraken have also focused on developing their own players, including prospect center Roman Josi and prospect defenseman Brock Boeser.

However, the Kraken have also faced challenges in their rebuilding process, including a slow start to the season and a lack of consistent play from some of their top players.

Lessons Learned from the Seattle Kraken's Rebuilding Process

The Importance of Building a Strong Core

• The Kraken have focused on building a strong core of players, including defensemen Will Borgen and Jared McIsaac and center Jordan Eberle.
• This core has provided the foundation for the team's success, allowing them to compete with more established teams in the NHL.
• However, the team has also struggled with player injuries, which has hindered their ability to build momentum and compete for wins.

The Need for Smart Coaching and Leadership

• The Kraken have hired Dave Hakstol as their head coach, who has brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization.
• Hakstol has also emphasized the importance of leadership and accountability, which has helped to build a strong team culture.
• However, the team has also struggled with communication and decision-making, which has led to inconsistent play and poor results.

By studying the successes and failures of the Seahawks' and Kraken's rebuilding processes, teams and organizations can learn valuable lessons about how to build a successful team from the ground up. From proper drafting and development to smart free agent signings and coaching, there are many factors that can contribute to a team's success.

In the world of sports, building a successful team is a complex and multifaceted process. It requires a combination of talent, leadership, and strategy, as well as a deep understanding of the game and its nuances. By learning from the successes and failures of other teams, organizations can gain valuable insights and knowledge that can help them build a successful team for years to come.

One of the key takeaways from the Seahawks' and Kraken's rebuilding processes is the importance of building a strong core of players. This core can provide the foundation for a team's success, allowing them to compete with more established teams and