The Seattle Seahawks' Coaching Carousel: A New Era Begins
The Seattle Seahawks' 2026 coaching staff is taking shape, and it's been a whirlwind of changes for the franchise. After the team's Super Bowl victory, the focus shifts to retaining and rebuilding the coaching staff, with some surprising moves already made.
The Departure of a Key Figure:
Klint Kubiak, the offensive coordinator who played a pivotal role in the Seahawks' success, has departed to take the helm of the Las Vegas Raiders. This move sent shockwaves through the organization, as Kubiak's leadership was instrumental in the team's championship run. But here's where it gets controversial—two of his assistants are joining him in Las Vegas, leaving a significant void in Seattle's coaching ranks.
The Search for a New Offensive Coordinator:
Head coach Mike Macdonald and general manager John Schneider wasted no time in finding Kubiak's replacement. They hired Brian Fleury, a seasoned NFL assistant with a diverse background. Fleury impressed the Seahawks during the interview process, showcasing his expertise from both sides of the ball. This move is a bold statement, as Fleury has spent the past 13 seasons in various roles, most recently as the San Francisco 49ers' run game coordinator and tight ends coach.
Assistant Coach Shuffle:
The Seahawks have made several other key additions to their coaching staff:
- Zachary Orr, a former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator, will take on the role of inside linebackers coach. He has a history with Macdonald, having worked together in Baltimore.
- Thomas Hammock, a former Northern Illinois University head coach, joins as the running backs coach and senior offensive assistant.
- Daniel Stern, a trusted member of John Harbaugh's Ravens staff, is set to contribute in an evolving role on the offensive side.
These hires offset the losses of Kubiak and his assistants, but the Seahawks aren't done yet. There might be more role adjustments to come, according to Macdonald.
Key Retentions and Their Impact:
Several assistant coaches are expected to return, and their impact cannot be overstated:
- Aden Durde, the defensive coordinator, was a head coaching candidate for the Falcons and Browns but is set to return for his third season with the Seahawks.
- Jay Harbaugh's special teams unit was a standout, contributing five special teams touchdowns last season. Retaining him is a significant achievement.
- Leslie Frazier, a former NFL head coach and star cornerback, brings invaluable experience and leadership.
- John Benton's return as offensive line coach is crucial, as the Seahawks' O-line allowed the fewest sacks in two decades under his guidance.
- Justin Outten and Jake Peetz, both considered for the OC role, will continue to contribute as run game coordinator and passing game coordinator, respectively.
The Seahawks' coaching staff is a delicate balance of new additions and key retentions, with each member playing a vital role in the team's success. As the 2026 season approaches, the franchise is poised to build on its championship foundation, but the question remains: Will these coaching changes be enough to keep the Seahawks at the top?
What do you think about the Seahawks' coaching moves? Are they setting themselves up for continued success, or is there room for improvement? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
