The Seattle Seahawks embraced a new chapter on Thursday by introducing Mike Macdonald, the former defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, as their new head coach.
During the press conference to introduce him, Seahawks general manager John Schneider emphasized that Macdonald is the ideal choice to lead the franchise into the future, beyond 2024.
“This is the future right here, this is where it’s going,” Schneider remarked, as reported by ESPN’s Brady Henderson. “I think you’re going to learn in getting to know Mike that he’s a special dude.”
Macdonald takes over from Pete Carroll, who served as the head coach for 14 seasons, securing five NFC West titles, two NFC championships, a Super Bowl title, and a 137-89-1 record during his tenure.
The decision to part ways with Carroll followed consecutive 9-8 finishes in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. While a 9-8 record led to a playoff berth in 2022, it wasn’t sufficient for a postseason spot this year.
In 2024, Macdonald inherits a talented roster featuring quarterback Geno Smith, running back Kenneth Walker III, and wide receivers Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. On the defensive side, he will be coaching a unit that includes Jamal Adams, Quandre Diggs, Devon Witherspoon, and Dre’Mont Jones.
Although Macdonald has an idea of the players he will be coaching next season, he is currently in search of an offensive coordinator to join his staff. According to ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio, former Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is a potential candidate for the role.
Regarding the defense, Macdonald will continue to call plays and plans to delegate responsibilities to a defensive coordinator “when it becomes obvious that someone else is ready to go and we see it the same way,” as stated during the Thursday press conference, as reported by Henderson.
After not being considered true title contenders in recent seasons, the Seahawks are optimistic that Macdonald’s leadership can elevate the franchise to better compete with the NFC’s top teams in the years to come.
