The Seahawks have reportedly fired Jim Mora, whose team finished 5-11 in his first year as head coach.
FOXSports.com’s Jay Glazer first reported the news, and KRJ-AM’s Dave Mahler said on the radio that he received a text from Mora confirming the news.
The news comes a month after team president and general manger Tim Ruskell resigned. At the time Vulcan Sports CEO Tod Leiweke said, “I fully expect Mora to be retained.” But not long after that press conference the Seahawks lost four straight to end the season, including a stretch of three consecutive blowout losses to Houston, Tampa Bay and Green Bay. Mora’s firing comes as the Seahawks are still searching for a new general manager to replace Ruskell.
Mora spent two seasons as the team’s secondary coach before taking over for Mike Holmgren this season. He inherited a team that finished 4-12 in 2008, but both he and Ruskell said before this season that they felt things could turn around quickly. Instead the Seahawks improved by only one game, and lost six games this season by 21 or more points.
UPDATE: team confirms firing
The Seahawks have just confirmed Mora’s firing. Here is the release from the team:
Renton, Wash. – The Seattle Seahawks have relieved Jim Mora of his head coaching duties, the team announced this morning.
“We’ve made a tough decision today,” said CEO Tod Leiweke. “It became apparent after conducting an extensive internal audit, that a new direction was needed to provide an opportunity for the organization to be successful. Today’s decision, while difficult, is part of the process in building a franchise with a new vision in 2010.”
“Jim is truly a stand-up man, who gave his full effort to our franchise. We thank Jim and his family for their commitment to our community and for their contribution to the Seahawks.”
“This team, more importantly this community, means so much to me that it hurts not being able to see this through,” said Mora. “I am disappointed I did not get the chance to complete my contract. This is a tough business that sometimes demands immediate gratification.”
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