SEATTLE - Paul Allen decided to stick with coach Mike
Holmgren, even if it meant firing a friend.
The Seattle Seahawks on Friday dismissed president Bob Whitsitt,
who had expressed frustration with Holmgren's failure to win a
playoff game in six years as coach.
"We are dedicated to winning and that means continuing to build
a premier NFL organization with the highest standards of
leadership and execution," said Allen, the owner of the
Seahawks.
Allen hired Whitsitt as Seahawks president in 1996. Whitsitt
also worked as team president for Allen with the NBA's Portland
Trail Blazers from 1994-2003.
But tension was clearly brewing between Whitsitt and Holmgren in
Seattle and Allen took action.
"I look forward to bringing in a new executive who will play a
central role in making our football operation more cohesive, and
making our overall organization more successful," Allen said.
"At this point, the position will benefit most from an infusion
of fresh experience and perspective, as well as renewed energy
and focus."
Before last Saturday's loss to the St. Louis Rams in the NFC
wild card round, Whitsitt questioned Holmgren, who won a Super
Bowl title as coach of the Green Bay Packers but is 0-3 in the
postseason with Seattle.
"What's important is, can we take the next step (under
Holmgren)?" Whitsitt said before the 27-20 playoff loss to St.
Louis. "It's been 21 years since the franchise has won a
playoff game and the fans are salivating for one."
Whitsitt stripped Holmgren of his general manager's job after
the 2002 season, claiming the workload was too heavy for the
coach, and hired Bob Ferguson to the position.
This time, he didn't get a chance to fire Holmgren as coach.
The Seahawks also announced Friday that vice president of
football operations Ted Thompson left the team to become general
manager of the Green Bay Packers.