Pete Carroll says the Seattle Seahawks can be successful without Russell Wilson and revealed Geno Smith is winning the battle to be starting quarterback.
Wilson's departure to the Denver Broncos ahead of the 2022 season is a massive blow for the Seahawks, having led the team to a first Super Bowl triumph in 2013 and a return to the Super Bowl the following year.
Carroll will have to do it without Wilson in 2022, a big year for the team after the 2021 season saw the Seahawks miss out on a playoff spot for only the second time in 10 seasons.
With Seattle not making a move to land a high-profile replacement, having been linked to Baker Mayfield prior to his move to the Carolina Panthers, questions have been asked about how Carroll will fill the void.
The experienced coach is not concerned, though, referencing his years coaching in college football where he had to adjust his side every year following graduations.
"You went to the next guy. You always miss when the guys leave but you can see it (coming) so you start planning for it, you work and you can find success," he told a news conference.
"I'm taking it in stride, but I'm real determined to make it work.
"There's a lot of developing of the players and giving them the background they need and the substance they need to be able to play like they're capable."
The Seahawks have Smith and Drew Lock competing to be the first choice under center and although Carroll says the former is leading the way, he made it clear there is time for that to change.
"Geno is in the lead. He's ahead and he ain't looking back. He's going for it," he added.
"Drew is not going to take a back seat. Something is going to happen. You will not nail me on that [naming his starter]."