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In a significant shift in leadership, the Seattle Seahawks have turned the page on the Pete Carroll era, which began in 2010 and included a Super Bowl victory in 2013. Following a 9-8 season without a playoff appearance in 2024, Carroll has transitioned to an advisory role, and the Seahawks have appointed Mike Macdonald, the NFL's youngest head coach at 36, to spearhead the team.

Macdonald's coaching journey began in 2010 as a graduate assistant at the University of Georgia, followed by roles as a defensive quality control coach. His NFL career launched in 2014 with an internship at the Baltimore Ravens under John Harbaugh. Macdonald's experience spans various positions, including defensive assistant, defensive backs coach, and linebackers coach. His stint as defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan in 2021 saw him significantly enhance the defense, particularly by developing talents like Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Macdonald returned to the Ravens in the same role in 2022, cementing his reputation with one of the NFL's top defenses before joining the Seahawks.

Joining Macdonald on the coaching staff is offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who brings an extensive background in orchestrating high-powered college offenses. Grubb previously partnered with Kalen DeBoer across several institutions, ultimately leading to Grubb's success as the offensive coordinator at the University of Washington, where he guided the team to the 2024 National Championship game. Despite their loss to the Michigan defense honed by Macdonald, Grubb's offensive strategies impressed enough to earn him his first NFL role.

Grubb's modern pro-style offense, inspired by his college tenure, emphasizes adaptability and leveraging matchups. Primarily operating in a mix of 11 and 12 personnel, Grubb designs his playcalling to exploit defensive weaknesses, whether through an aggressive running game or dynamic passing setup. His scheme focuses on efficiency and maximizing the strengths of key players, particularly quarterback Geno Smith, who has thrived under Grubb’s guidance.

In a nod to Seattle's defensive roots, Adon Durde has been appointed as the defensive coordinator. Durde's background includes playing in NFL Europe and coaching stints in the NFL, most notably with the Dallas Cowboys as a defensive line coach under Dan Quinn. Durde's experience aligns well with Macdonald's vision, bringing together a blend of old and new defensive philosophies.

The Seahawks' defense now operates primarily out of a 34 base with nuanced zone coverages, often shifting to a 24 look in subpackages. Emphasizing deception rather than heavy blitzing, the defense seeks to confound opposing offenses with varied pressure sources. Key players like edge rushers Boye Mafe and De'Mont Jones have been pivotal, while the secondary, featuring standout corners Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon, is designed to stymie passes to the middle of the field.

Seattle's lighter defensive fronts have shown some vulnerability against power running games, presenting a potential opportunity for teams like the Detroit Lions. However, the Seahawks' strategic adjustments and player rotations offer a robust and unpredictable defensive challenge.

The Seahawks' new era under Macdonald, Grubb, and Durde aims to blend innovation with proven methodologies, navigating the team through a period of transformation while striving to reclaim their status as formidable contenders in the NFL.