The Seattle Seahawks surprised many around the league by firing head coach Pete Carroll and joining the NFL coaching carousel. While the Seahawks coaching search is in its early stages, Seattle does seem to have two coaching candidates on its radar.
Seattle has one of the most attractive NFL head-coach openings this offseason. Led by quarterback Geno Smith, there’s more than enough skill talent on the Seahawks’ offense to compete for a Wild Card spot. Coaching the team also comes with job security, support from stable ownership and a commitment to competing immediately.
Related: Seattle Seahawks draft picks 2024
With the Washington Commanders narrowing their focus to Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, several great defensive minds will still be available to Seattle. While interviews haven’t been conducted yet, the Seahawks’ front office is eyeing two coaches.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Seattle has not formally requested interviews with any prospective coaching candidates yet. However, the Seahawks are interested in Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald.
- Seattle Seahawks defense stats: 5.5 yards per play allowed (25th in NFL), 40.4% opponents’ scoring rate (28th), 92.1 QB rating allowed (23rd), 7.4% sack rate (20th), 138.4 rushing yards per game allowed (31st)
Quinn is widely viewed as the front-runner for Seattle. The former Atlanta Falcons head coach took over the Cowboys’ defense in 2021, turning it into a top-5 unit after it was a bottom-10 defense with its previous defensive coordinator. The 53-year-old coach is also beloved by players and his tenure as the Seahawks’ defensive coordinator (2013-’14) and assistant head coach (2009-’10) offers continuity post-Carroll.
Related: Pete Carroll reveals why Seattle Seahawks fired him
Macdonald served as the Michigan Wolverines defensive coordinator before taking the same position with the Ravens in 2022. He’s constructed one of the best defenses in the NFL, with an outstanding track record of using creative schemes to maximize his pass rushers and linebackers.
While he hasn’t been officially listed as a Seahawks coaching candidate, one other name to keep an eye on is Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales. Before joining Tampa Bay, Canales served as the Seahawks’ quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator from 2018=’22.
