I was having a nice morning until my cousin Levi emailed this terrifying thought: “Your 2010 Seahawks are your 2009 Mariners. New GM, new coach. Aggressive roster makeover. Overachievers.”

You don’t need my cousin to tell you what happened to the Mariners the next year.

That’s why yesterday’s firing of Jeremy Bates is such an encouraging sign. Pete Carroll has sent a signal to every player, and every team around the league — this franchise is not standing still.

The Mariners patted themselves on the back after 2009, doubling down on their formula of speed, defense, and clubhouse kum-by-yah. They somehow forgot that that formula had only gotten them to third place. Carroll seems to recognize that he has, at best, a mediocre football team, no matter what the new championship banner at Qwest Field will read.

What they’re saying…

“Each day my confidence in Carroll grows. Firing Jeremy ‘I can’t make adjustments or make a real game plan’ Bates is awesome” — @finneganswake

“not even surprised by the #Seahawks canning Jeremy Bates. no more 4th and 1 with a fade route to Golden Tate 25 yards down the field. #FAIL” — @FunkytownGotcha

“While we do not yet have full details on what occurred, we are aware of the situation and take it very seriously.” — Jack Zduriencik on the Milton Bradley arrest.

In other news…

The most surprising person may have done the Mariners a huge favor. Milton Bradley got arrested yesterday morning on a felony charge after allegedly threatening a woman. It’s possible that this charge could allow the Mariners to void Bradley’s contract, worth $12 million for 2010. And then sign Manny Ramirez? Please?

Forget about getting fired Broncos coach Josh McDaniels to replace Bates as the new OC–McDaniels will be calling plays for the Rams.

The Seahawks announced several other coach hirings. Fired Raiders coach Tom Cable is the new offensive line coach. Cable is a 1982 grad of Snohomish High, but grew up rooting for the Raiders. What gives?

Todd Wash is the new defensive line coach, he had the same job with Tampa Bay the past three years. Wash replaces Dan Quinn, who left to become the defensive coordinator at Florida.

Two current coaches were promoted: Kris Richard becomes the defensive backs coach, taking over for Jerry Gray, who left to take the same job at the University of Texas. Former USC coach Rocky Seto rises from defensive quality control coach to Richard’s old spot as assistant defensive backs coach.

**Here’s video of Seto yelling at USC players. “Run your feet! Run your feet!”**

The Mariners signed David Aardsma, Brandon League and Jason Vargas to one-year contracts, avoiding arbitration with each.

The Sounders picked three guys in the MLS Supplemental Draft, including former Blanchet High and Seattle U player midfielder Sean Morris.

**(Sounders also picked a guy named “Corey Attaway” — that will be me drunkenly yelling “At-a-way, Attaway!” until the other people in my section start hitting me.)**

Former Mariner Gil Meche retired rather than collect $12M on a contract he won’t be able to fulfull. Meche has a shoulder injury. Meche was the M’s first round pick in the 1996 draft. He finishes his career with an 84-83 overall record.

Former Mariner manager Mike Hargrove is back in the majors as a special advisor to the Cleveland Indians. What the hell does a “special advisor” do? Can I get that job please?

Redmond upset #1 Garfield in hoops, a day after Garfield beat #1 Rainier Beach. UW recruit Tony Wroten did not play for the Bulldogs.

Time-waster of the day: Mariners blog Lookout Landing compiled some records Mariners are likely to break in 2011. And folks added their own in the comments.

Today’s action…

NCAA Hoops: Seattle U @ Cal St. Northridge, 7 p.m. (710-AM)

Yo! If you have a tip or a comment, email me at sethkolloen@sportspressnw.com or message me on Twitter, @SethKolloen. Cool? Thanks!