Pete Carroll talks Earl Thomas, new Seahawks coaches

Pete Carroll spoke Thursday from the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. The Seahawks’ head coach addressed changes on Seattle’s coaching staff, the league’s proposed rule changes, quarterback Russell Wilson, and more.

Clayton: What Seahawks’ free agents could net in compensatory picks

Here are a few highlights:

On Earl Thomas’ contract situation and his desire for a new deal: “See, last year at this time he had retired, so I’m not sure where to put that right now (laughs). Earl and I have talked about some stuff, that specifically was not on the top of our discussion. He’s a great competitor, he wants to take it as far as he can, and I admire the heck of him.”

What does new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer bring to this team? “Really great diversity in his background. Really bright, smart dude that’s been around in a lot of stuff … (I) was really impressed with his overall command (and) his ability to see things from different perspectives, which will be really exciting for us and to bring to (Russell Wilson’s) development.”

Is this a franchise-altering offseason? “I’m looking at it in that regard. But I did that the same thing last year too. I think the opportunity for it to be an altering moment for us is there.”

On the decision to move on from former defensive coordinator Kris Richard: “Just time to make a change, that’s all. He’s a terrific coach and Dallas got a great guy in him. The opportunity to get (Ken Norton Jr.) back in the program, just the remarkable energy and juice and leadership that he brings, it’s a rare opportunity.”

On running back Chris Carson: “We’re really excited about Chris. He didn’t do anything we weren’t excited about (last year). Style of running, nature, tough, physical, explosive, great catcher, and a very, very advanced blocker for a first year guy in the league. We just loved everything he did. I’m really excited to get him back into it …. really excited to see the battle (at training camp), and Chris has got a place there.”

On new offensive line coach Mike Solari and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer: “Let me start with Brian. I think we’re very fortunate. I’ve known Brian for a lot of years, and watched his coaching, watched his development. (He’s a) very well-rounded, very bright, very articulate, very gifted communicator and a dedicated quarterback guy, which was really a big deal to me. I liked the fact that I could connect the playcaller and quarterback leader, and the guy who’s going to be with (Wilson) on the field as well on a regular basis. I wanted to make that connection for Russell so that we could communicate with him directly in a little bit different fashion that we had. (Quarterbacks coach) Dave Canales is going to communicate with him too, of course. But I think Brian is going to bring us something that we’re looking forward to seeing.

“Mike Solari and I go back, way back to the Niner days. He’s a great football coach. Very strict, very disciplined. Brings a little bit different background, a little different scheme for us. And it gives a chance to do a few things that we haven’t done in the past, and I’m looking forward to that … It’s going to be a great move for us, I’m really fired up about it.”

On whether there are injury updates for Kam Chancellor (neck) or Cliff Avril (neck): “No nothing new … we’re waiting for the word, when they have their kind of stations along the way (and) check in with their docs and all that. I’m really holding out hope that things work out.”

What’s next for Russell Wilson? “Just keep growing, keep getting better. I’ve said this for a couple years now, that I think one of these years he’s going to be a 70 percent completion guy. He’s grown so much and he’s so much more aware than he was in earlier years.”

On DT Malik McDowell: “Nothing new, same kind of thing. He’s got a process he’s going through. We get information rarely in his case, but there will be sometime we’ll hear more. I don’t have much for you at all now.”

Follow @stacyrost