One day before offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates was fired, the Seattle Seahawks reportedly reached out to former Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels to gauge his interest in joining Pete Carroll's staff. The news, reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, gives us a clearer picture about what may have been going on ahead of Tuesday's report that Bates would not return to Seattle, while also explaining why McDaniels didn't pull the trigger and join the Rams' staff.
Schefter tweeted the news Tuesday and Mike Sando added a quick quip about the NFC West.
NFC West drama! RT: @AdamSchefter: Seahawks have been talking with former Broncos HC Josh McDaniels since Monday. Interesting.
Mike Sando, ESPN.com
espn_nfcwest
And all of a sudden, it all adds up. Bates' firing came as a bit of a shock, despite the shortcomings of the Seattle offense. Could Tuesday's move be a result of a behind-the-scenes agreement between the Seahawks and McDaniels? If it was, odds are we'll find out soon as Carroll works to replace Bates and finalize any agreements.
McDaniels was reportedly close to signing a contract with the Rams before talks broke down between Monday and Tuesday. According to Sando, McDaniels was looking for more money after shopping his services around the NFL. The Seahawks have money to spend on coaches, and McDaniels could be just the guy Carroll needs as he tries to revamp the offense after a disappointing 2010 season.
Stay tuned to our StoryStream for the latest Seahawks coaching changes and more on McDaniels as news becomes available.