There’s always a risk when hiring a first-time head coach. The Seattle Seahawks decided to take that leap of faith in the summer when they appointed 37-year-old Mike Macdonald as Pete Carroll’s successor. All signs point to that being an excellent decision thus far.
The Seahawks enjoyed a strong training camp and preseason period. Macdonald quickly asserted himself in the locker room and the players have adapted to his style of leadership. Seattle is 1-0 under Macdonald to boot, following last weekend’s 26-20 victory over the Denver Broncos.
The New England Patriots made a similarly bold decision themselves this offseason. Looking to replace Bill Belichick, the greatest head coach of all time, owner Robert Kraft hired player-turned-coach Jerod Mayo. The 38-year-old Mayo made two Pro Bowls as a Patriots linebacker, won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, and more recently had served as the team’s inside linebackers position coach.
When Macdonald’s Seahawks meet Mayo’s Patriots in Week 2 on Sunday, the two ascending leaders will combine to make NFL history. It’ll mark just the sixth occasion since 2000 that two first-time head coaches under 40 will meet in a matchup. It represents quite the achievement for Macdonald and Mayo.
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Mayo’s Patriots are off to an outstanding start themselves. They executed what was arguably the biggest upset of Week 1 when they defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 16-10. One of Macdonald or Mayo will go home disappointed on Sunday, but early indications are that both their franchises made quality long-term decisions.
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