Originally Posted by J_Bird

The new President of Football Operations, Tim Ruskell, has done more in one year on the job than Whitless ever accomplished with the Seahawks. Under Whitsett's command the front office was in complete disarray. The Seahawks top contract negotiator Mike Reinfeldt resigned after the 2003 season rather than continue to work under Whitsett. Holmgren and Whitsett never got along, and most reports say that had Whitsett not been removed from the front office, Holmgren would have resigned.

Ruskell brought a new attitude to this franchise immediatly, overseeing the removal of players who repeatedly ran afoul of the law (Koren Robinson), openly fought with coaches (Anthony Simmons), and lacked the work ethic (Cedric Woodard) Ruskell wanted on this team. In their place Ruskell brought in players who had reputations as nose to the grind, all-out effort guys, like Chuck Darby, Joe Jurivicious, and Bryce Fisher. Along with their reputations on the field, the players that Ruskell brought in were known for being stand-up, accountable guys off the field. Ruskell has basically accomplished with the Seahawks what owner Paul Allen wants to see done with the Blazers, developing a winning team on the field, while doing it with good 'character' guys.