General Manager McCormack Is Fired by Seahawks’ Owner

Mike McCormack, who has been the Seattle Seahawks’ president and general manager for the past 6 years, has been fired, owner Ken Behring said Monday night.

Behring, who became principal owner of the team before the 1988 season, said: “Under new ownership, we feel it is important for us to have our own general manager.” He cited poor communication as a major problem with McCormack.

He said that he would interview a half-dozen candidates as possible replacements and that no other major changes were anticipated in the team.

Reached by telephone Monday night at his home, McCormack said he had no comment.

Behring confirmed that two of the people he is talking to about the job are Sam Jankovich, University of Miami athletic director, and Mike Blatt, a Stockton, Calif., businessman and former agent for several players, including the Seahawks’ Kelly Stouffer.

McCormack, 58, joined the Seahawks in 1982 as director of football operations and was made president and general manager of the team in 1983. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and a former NFL head coach.

McCormack hired Coach Chuck Knox, who has 3 years left on his Seahawk contract. Under Knox, the Seahawks have a 57-38 record and made the playoffs four times in six seasons.