Not long after the Oakland Raiders hired Seattle Seahawks linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. to coordinate their defense on Friday, the Seahawks reportedly promoted Kris Richard to be their defensive coordinator.

Richard has been Seattle’s secondary coach since 2010, when he came to the Seahawks from USC along with coach Pete Carroll. He had been considered the favorite to replace Dan Quinn, who left after two years in charge of the NFL’s No. 1 defense to coach the Atlanta Falcons.

Richard reportedly declined Quinn’s request to join him in Atlanta, apparently knowing he likely would replace Quinn as Seattle’s defensive coordinator.

According to Alex Rozier of King 5-TV, Carroll told the team about Richard’s promotion Friday after Norton was named the Raiders’ coordinator.

Rocky Seto, another defensive assistant, also received a promotion, according to Rozier.

The Seahawks have lost three defensive assistants since losing Super Bowl XLIX to the New England Patriots on Sunday. Quinn took Marquand Manuel with him to Atlanta.

Players were sad to see Norton go.

Linebacker Bruce Irvin tweeted (edited): “I’m sad and love Ken Norton, but players play and coaches coach. We will be fine!”

Linebacker Mike Morgan, who had played for Norton at both USC and in Seattle, tweeted: “I have been coached by Ken Norton since I was 17. He has not only been a coach but family. This is tough, but he deserves this opportunity! The Raiders are getting a great coach that not only cares about the game but the player’s life on and off the field.”