Before joining the Seahawks organization, defensive end Michael Bennett played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Greg Schaino. It's no secret that Schiano's coaching approach and Pete Carroll's are polar opposites, but Bennett explained just how different their approaches are during a recent radio interview on 750 The Game in Portland.
When asked what it's like playing for Carroll, Bennett responded, "It’s like playing for Willy Wonka. He’s crazy. He wants to be young."
"He just is one of those guys who’s always up beat, wants to have a good time, and let’s you be yourself," Bennett added.
Everyone remembers the days of Carroll at USC, when he was having the time of his life pranking players, competing for national titles, and churning out Heisman Trophy winners and finalists. He likes to have fun and has a unique way of connecting with his players, all while getting them to compete at a very high level.
Back to that Willy Wonka reference for a second though. Is there a better whimsical, fictional character than Willy Wonka to compare a fun-loving, energetic coach to? If there is, I certainly can't picture it.
Just for fun, I decided to pair up a few NFL coaches with their fictional counterparts. Here's what I came up with. You feel like you've got one that I'm missing? Let me know your suggestions at Doug@FootballScoop.com or via Twitter @CoachSamz.
Chip Kelly - Dexter from Dexter's Laboratory
What better pairing for the most innovative offensive mind in the NFL than a kid who spends his time doing innovative experiments in his lab? Both have been referred to, on more than one occasion, as "Mad Scientists".
Bill Belichick - The Brain from Pinky and the Brain AND Yoda from Star Wars
Belichick is regarded by (nearly) everyone as one of the top minds at any level football, and Yoda is probably the wisest fictional character is existence. That also matches up with The Brain's obsession with taking over the world and Belichick's hunger for more and more Super Bowl rings. (To be honest, this was probably the easiest one to come up with)
Andy Reid - Ron Swanson from Parks and Rec
I'm not even going to try to justify this one - for me this came down to their mustache game being the best in the business. It was that simple.
Sean Payton - TJ Detweiler from Disney's Recess
Both Payton and Detweiler have that "cool customer" persona and everyone want to be friends with both of them.
Bruce Arians - Cal Naughton Jr. from Talladega Nights
Before getting the shot to run his own show in Arizona, Arians was a longtime - and very successful - assistant coach. Much like Cal Naughton Jr., Arians had to wait in the wings before getting his shot in the spotlight, and is now taking full advantage of it. (H/T Zach Barnett)