Clayton: How Seahawks are impacted by Ed Donatell heading to Vikings

Losing Ed Donatell to the Minnesota Vikings is a tough one for Seahawks coach Pete Carroll.

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Donatell, who was Broncos defensive coordinator for the past three seasons, had been reported to be joining the Seahawks as a defensive coach, but the Vikings are finalizing a deal to make him defensive coordinator Thursday.

The idea of having Clint Hurtt as a first-time defensive coordinator in Seattle and Donattell as the 65-year-old mind to run things by would have been an exceptional way to revamp the Seahawks’ defense. Apparently, new Vikings head coach Kevin O’Donnell wanted the experienced hand of Donatell to rely on as he takes his first coaching job, however.

The one issue for the Seahawks now is inexperience with their two coaching changes. In addition to Hurrt being promoted from defensive line coach, Karl Scott will reportedly be Seattle’s new pass defense coordinator, but he’s only been in the NFL one season. He was with the Vikings lass year working with the secondary.

There is still plenty of time to figure things out, and there are a lot of coaches looking for work. The Seahawks know the importance of fixing the defense. That’s why they fired Ken Norton Jr. after four years as defensive coordinator. Seattle also has the benefit of Carroll being more experienced than most head coaches in the league.

In he meantime, the Seahawks can start looking ahead to see about re-signing some of their unrestricted free agents. It’s important they keep as much of this team together as they can.

Still, it would have been great for Pete to get Donatell. He’s been with Carroll off and on during Carroll’s career, and he has the experience of being a defensive coordinator for four teams. He’s a good one.

Carroll and the Seahawks still have a lot of work to do.

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