Karl Scott ’07 has found success in embracing all the unique qualities he brings to his job. Simply put, being yourself is of the utmost importance in being strong and successful in whatever you do.
Scott was recently named defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach of the Seattle Seahawks. He moves on to Seattle after one year of coaching defensive backs with the Minnesota Vikings.
Before his time with the Vikings, Scott was the defensive backs coach at Alabama from 2018-2020 under legendary coach Nick Saban. He played part in helping the Crimson Tide reach a 13-0 record and take home a win in the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship.
Scott has moved up the coaching ranks. He talks openly about just how blessed he has been to put in the work to get to where he is now.
“I like to tell people that I took the stairs and not the elevator. I am blessed, and I don’t forget it,” Scott said.
The transition from Minnesota to Seattle was a tough one for Scott, as he had to be separated from his family and adjust to a new home. But, after two brutal Minnesota winters, he had no problem adjusting to Washington weather.
Throughout his career, Scott said that he has learned to appreciate the value that just being himself has had on the work he does. Throughout the course of his career he has come to trust his abilities and coach the way he is successful in doing so.
“They hired me for a reason, they hired me to be me. If they didn’t want me, they would’ve hired someone else,” Scott said. “I try to never lose sight of that.”
Post-transition to Seattle, Scott has found comfort in his new environment and is enjoying the benefits of being part of a new team. He said that the Seahawks have an incredible organization and that the people he interacts with are one of his favorite parts of his job.
“I think it’s the people and the organization period; starting at the top with our Head Coach Pete Carroll. Coach has set a foundation that he truly lives by and stands on,” Scott said. “In turn there is a trickle-down effect. He has a clear direction on where he sees the organization going and does a great job of passing the message down. I can truly say this place is like no other I’ve been.”
As for his time at McMurry, Scott is thankful for the doors that were opened for him during his time on campus. From meeting his wife, Taron Weaver Scott ’07, to personal connections with faculty and staff that he still nurtures today, Scott holds McMurry and the lessons he learned here in his heart and calls on them in his career and personal life.
“McMurry opened the door for me,” Scott said. “ It helped me get out of my comfort zone and taught me a lot about myself, what I was capable of, and more.”
While focusing on his strengths and unique contributions to the Seahawks organization, Scott wants other McMurry students to know that big dreams of working in the NFL and other large organizations are possible.
“I’m a living example that it’s possible. I walked the same halls, sat in the same classrooms, and slept in the same dorms,” Scott said. “Stop dreaming and just do, because you CAN do it!”