Pete Carroll on Seahawks fans who want Darrell Bevell gone: ‘They don’t know what they’re talking about’

RENTON – Seahawks coach Pete Carroll had a brief but nonetheless firm response when asked Monday about the constant clamoring among many of the team’s fans for a change at offensive coordinator. Speaking at an end-of-season press conference, Carroll defended Darrell Bevell as he has at every turn.

“I’m sorry to say this, but they don’t know what they’re talking about, OK?” Carroll said. “Sorry. They don’t know what they’re talking about. Darrell does a great job.”

In other words: He’s not going anywhere.

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Bevell has been Seattle’s offensive coordinator since 2011 and a target of criticism among Seahawks fans for most of his tenure, even before the disastrous ending to Super Bowl XLVIII but especially since then. Seattle’s offensive struggles this season did nothing to quell it as the Seahawks finished 12th in yards and 18th in points (which also includes defensive and special-teams scoring).

Before that, though, some of Seattle’s offenses under Bevell have been among the most productive in franchise history. The Seahawks set a team record for yards in 2015 and scored the second-most points (and were fourth in the NFL in those categories). Among the eight highest-scoring teams in franchise history, four of them (2012-15) have been during Bevell’s six seasons in Seattle.

As for another member of his staff, Carroll confirmed that offensive-line coach Tom Cable interviewed with the 49ers over the weekend. He called Cable a serious candidate for San Francisco’s head-coaching job and said the Seahawks are prepared to search for a replacement if need be.

“I can tell you that he interviewed and that took place yesterday and he’s waiting to hear,” Carroll said. “I think he has a real chance and so I am rooting for him, of course. And then we’ll root against him as soon as he gets it, if he gets it.”

Asked if he expects the rest of Seattle’s coaching staff back next year, Carroll said: “Yes, best we can do.”