Ever since Rod Marinelli was fired on Monday by the Detroit Lions, there has been some speculation that he may come to Seattle as defensive coordinator. Marinelli, who has coached since 1996 the same cover-2 defense the Seahawks run, seems a natural pick. It also helps that outgoing coach Mike Holmgren actually pursued Marinelli as defensive coordinator in 2003 before hiring Ray Rhodes.At the time, Marinelli was under contract with the Buccaneers, who denied Holmgren the opportunity to speak with Marinelli and offer him a job. Marinelli spent 10 years in Tampa Bay as the defensive line coach and has never actually run a defense as coordinator in the NFL.
It still remains to be seen whether current defensive coordinator John Marshall will even be fired, though it is likely after a disappointing season for the defense, which dropped from 15th in the league in yards last season to 30th this season. Mora is likely to pursue someone willing to be a little more aggressive with blitzes as most cover-2 defenses thrive on getting pressure.
In his 10 seasons with the Bucs, they had more sacks than any other team during that span. Marinelli would also be a popular choice with the fans for his fiery, blue-colar attitude.
General Manager Tim Ruskell worked in Tampa Bay until 2004, and it is likely he knows Marinelli well. Whether Marinelli is the man who ultimately gets the job or not, should Mora fire Marshall, Marinelli is most likely the type of man he'll be looking to hire.
