RENTON, Wash. -- Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said he has spoken to cornerback Richard Sherman about Sherman's controversial comments on national television following Seattle's 23-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday at CenturyLink Field.

"We aren't perfect, and we all make mistakes," Carroll said Monday on 710 ESPN Seattle radio. "Things don't always come out exactly as we planned.

"I look at it like this: What would I tell my son? I'm a dad. I speak from that perspective. Maybe [the players] don't always want to hear it that way, but it's the best way I can communicate. That has already taken place, and we've already talked about it."

Sherman tipped away a pass in the end zone that was intended for 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree in the final seconds of the game. Seattle linebacker Malcolm Smith intercepted the tipped ball to seal the victory.

Moments later, Sherman was interviewed by Fox Sports' Erin Andrews, who asked him to describe the play.

"I'm the best corner in the game," Sherman yelled. "When you try me with a sorry receiver like Crabtree, that's the result you're gonna get. Don't you ever talk about me."

Andrews asked who was talking about him.

"Crabtree," he said. "Don't you open your mouth about the best or I'm gonna shut it for you real quick."

Sherman's comments have become a national talking point and caused a firestorm of criticism on Twitter.

Carroll came to Sherman's defense.

"You're talking about a guy in a warrior's mentality in the middle of everything," Carroll said. "He's a fiery guy. That was Richard being Richard in a moment where you would like to pull him to the side and take a knee for a while, then we'll talk to you.

"It's unfortunate that it was so crazed, but that's who he is. His mental makeup to get ready for that matchup was expressed right there so he could play the way he can play. Unfortunately, sharing with the world, it didn't come across so well."