Seahawks Hire Ken Norton Jr As Defensive Coordinator

Update:

Alex Rozier spoke with Ken Norton Jr’s wife who told him that her husband just signed a three-year deal to be the Seahawks’ new defensive coordinator.

49ers HC coach Kyle Shanahan released the following statement regarding the news: “Last week, Ken was presented with an opportunity to once again coordinate a defense. Because of how we feel about Ken as a coach, we understand and respect his desire to pursue the position.”

[divider style=”solid” top=”20″ bottom=”20″]

Mike Garafolo of NFL Media reports that the Seahawks are expected to hire 49ers assistant HC/LBs coach Ken Norton Jr as their new defensive coordinator.

Reports surfaced last week that Kris Richard was likely out in Seattle. Pete Carroll reportedly felt it was best for Richard to move on and gain more coaching experience as they look to make changes to both their offensive and defensive coaching staffs.

As for Norton, he previously held a position on the Seahawks’ coaching staff, so there’s some familiarity there. However, he just accepted a job with the 49ers, so this comes as a bit of a surprise.

Norton Jr, 51, began his NFL coaching career with the Seahawks back in 2010 as their linebackers coach. After five years in Seattle, Norton Jr departed to become the Raiders’ defensive coordinator in 2015 but was, unfortunately, fired a few months ago.

The 49ers hired Norton as their assistant head coach/LBs coach a few weeks ago.

We’ll have more regarding the Seahawks and Norton as the news is available.