Category: Latest Seahawks News

Seahawks won’t receive compensation if Pete Carroll coaches elsewhere in 2025

Seahawks won’t receive compensation if Pete Carroll coaches elsewhere in 2025

News broke earlier this week that the Chicago Bears will interview former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll for their head coaching vacancy. It had previously been reported that Carroll possessed interest in the Bears’ gig. It’s now been confirmed that the interest is mutual.

Chicago isn’t the only head coaching vacancy Carroll is being linked with. He’s also been mentioned as a potential candidate in Las Vegas, according to local reporter Vincent Bonsignore. Carroll has emerged as an unlikely, but popular candidate this summer.

When the Seahawks “mutually parted ways” with Carroll as a head coach and replaced him with Mike Macdonald, the former Super Bowl winning coach transitioned to an advisory role that failed to define his true role with the organization. Now that Carroll is receiving outside interest, it’s worth acknowledging the Seahawks won’t be entitled to any compensation if he’s hired elsewhere. His contract with the organization expired at the conclusion of the 2024 season.

Seahawks hopefuls may have been wishing for draft-pick compensation in exchange for Carroll, sort of how Sean Payton was traded from New Orleans to Denver two offseasons ago. That won’t happen. Carroll is free to coach elsewhere and the Seahawks wouldn’t benefit from him filling a head coaching vacancy.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald will continue calling defensive plays next season

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald will continue calling defensive plays next season

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is spending the early portion of the offseason reflecting on his debut season. Macdonald has already overseen one big-time staff change, relieving offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb of his duties. The Seahawks are now searching for their next offensive play caller.

A similar change won’t be occurring on the defensive side of the ball. Macdonald, who joined Seattle after serving as the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive play caller, plans to continue calling plays next season, he recently told reporters. Macdonald rightfully maintains faith in his ability to oversee Seattle’s defense, with assistance from his coordinator Aden Durde.

Seattle’s defense was quite effective under Macdonald’s leadership this season. The Seahawks concluded the campaign allowing an 12th-best 21.6 points per contest. They ranked 11th-best against the pass (211.9/game) and a more middling 16th versus the run (120.8/game). Macdonald’s run defense improved once Ernest Jones IV was acquired at off-ball linebacker.

Like it was in Baltimore, Macdonald’s defense was especially effective rushing the passer. The Seahawks tied for eighth-best in sacks (45) throughout 2024, applying consistent pressure on opposing backfields. There’s no reason for Macdonald to forfeit play-calling duties next season. He’ll continue to oversee a stellar defense in 2025.

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2 other Seahawks who reached contract incentives in Week 18

2 other Seahawks who reached contract incentives in Week 18

Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith famously earned $6 million in additional incentive money in Sunday’s Week 18 regular-season finale victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Smith completed 20-of-27 passing attempts for 223 yards and four touchdowns, including a game-winning score. It turns out he wasn’t the only Seahawk who met thresholds for bonus money.

These two Seahawks also earned incentive money in Week 18.

Laken Tomlinson | $2.04 million

Veteran offensive guard Laken Tomlinson earned a sizable $2.04 million, according to ESPN’s Brady Henderson. The Seahawks signed Tomlinson to a one-year contract worth $1.2 million last offseason to secure the left guard position. The interior blocker played a sizable 1,097 offensive snaps in 2024, accounting for 99.73% of Seattle’s offensive snaps this season, per Pro Football Reference.

The Seahawks will likely search for better production this offseason than what Tomlinson offered. Tomlinson was credited with allowing 38 pressures and six sacks. Despite his availability, his form was below average. Upgrading the offensive line is a priority.

Jason Myers | $375,000

Veteran kicker Jason Myers also earned $375,000. The experienced placekicker was super reliable this campaign, converting 26-of-30 field goal attempts. Myers’ make-rate of 86.7% was improved compared to last season’s output (83.3%). He’s signed through the 2026 season, and will be welcomed back next year for his reliability.

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Happy 14th anniversary to the Beast Quake!

Happy 14th anniversary to the Beast Quake!

On this day in Seattle Seahawks history, beloved franchise icon Marshawn Lynch quite literally moved the Earth. Lynch ran his way into history with his legendary “Beast Quake” run to help the Seahawks upset the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints.

At 7-9, Seattle became the first team to ever qualify for the playoffs with a losing record. The NFC West had been abysmal and the Seahawks managed to climb to the top of the worst division in football. But it did not matter, because they proved their worth by defeating the Saints 41-36.

Of course, the play of the game was none other than the aforementioned Beast Quake. Nursing a 34-30 lead with under four minutes to go, Matt Hasselbeck handed the ball to Lynch, and well, the rest was history.

Little did 12’s at the time know, but this run helped kick off the greatest era in Seahawks history. For this, it is always worth remembering one of the best runs of all time, and one of the best moments of Seattle football ever.

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Bears plan to interview former Seahawks HC Pete Carroll

Bears plan to interview former Seahawks HC Pete Carroll

Over half of the league is staying at home for the playoffs, but that does not stop them from remaining active. Such is the case for the Chicago Bears, who are once again searching for a new head coach after yet another disappointing season. It was reported in late December that former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll was interested in the job, and it appears the interest is mutual.

It is now being reported Carroll will receive an interview for the job on Thursday.

When Carroll was relieved of his coaching duties last season, it was announced by owner Jody Allen that his role would “evolve from Head Coach to remain with the organization as an advisor.” However, ESPN’s Brady Henderson is reporting that Carroll’s contract with the Seahawks organization is complete, which makes him essentially a free agent to do as he pleases with his career.

Pete Carroll has a career NFL record of 181-131-1, including the playoffs where he is 11-11 with two NFC Championships and a Super Bowl ring. Carroll’s strengths come in the form of creating a winning culture and establishing stability, two things the Bears have lacked for years now. Hiring Carroll may be a bit unconventional, but perhaps it is exactly what Chicago needs.

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Seattle Seahawks’ potential OC replacements for Ryan Grubb

Seattle Seahawks’ potential OC replacements for Ryan Grubb

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald relieved offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb of his duties, citing a philosophical divide. It was a sizable decision, and the Seahawks will now begin the process of searching for their next offensive coordinator. We’ve identified three potential candidates that possess direct ties to Macdonald’s coaching past.

Tee Martin

Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks coach Tee Martin continues to do a phenomenal job with MVP QB Lamar Jackson. A former professional player, Martin understands the importance of balancing the run game with the passing game. He also crossed paths with Macdonald for two seasons (2022-23) in Baltimore.

Andy Bischoff

Los Angeles Chargers tight ends coach and run game coordinator Andy Bischoff has done a fantastic job helping Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman oversee their run-first offense. Bischoff and Macdonald spent six campaigns together (2015-20) on staff in Baltimore. There’s obviously shared ties between them and both Harbaugh brothers. The Seahawks could entice him by offering a promotion to play-calling duties, a responsibility he does not currently hold in LA.

Matt Weiss

Would Macdonald be willing to deal with the potential backlash? Matt Weiss was fired as Michigan co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2023 during an investigation of alleged computer access crimes. Weiss has worked under both Jim and John Harbaugh during his coaching career, overlapping with Macdonald in Baltimore from 2014-20, and again at Michigan in 2021.

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3 more Seahawks assistant coaches who may be fired after Ryan Grubb

3 more Seahawks assistant coaches who may be fired after Ryan Grubb

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald made a big decision once his debut season in charge ended, firing first-year offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. Macdonald was dissatisfied with the inconsistencies, as the Seahawks concluded the campaign sixth in passing, but 30th in rushing. The process of appointing Grubb’s successor will begin immediately.

Macdonald also admitted that more staff changes may arrive when the new OC is appointed.

Seattle’s next play-caller may prefer to assemble his own offensive coaching staff. With that possibility in mind, we’ve identified three additional assistant coaches who may follow Grubb out the exit door.

Kennedy Polamulu | RB coach

The Seahawks struggled to run the football effectively throughout 2024, averaging just 100.3 rushing yards per contest. Veteran running back coach Kennedy Polamulu joined the staff this past season after spending the previous three campaigns with the Las Vegas Raiders (2021-23). The next OC may have a different running backs coach in mind.

Scott Huff | OL coach

Offensive line coach Scott Huff will almost certainly be a casualty of Grubb’s dismissal. Huff spent two seasons (2022-23) coaching with Grubb at The University of Washington before following him to Seattle. The Seahawks’ offensive line struggled mightily throughout 2024, and the OL position coach is often an extension of the OC. The next play-caller will prefer a change.

Zak Hill | Offensive assistant

Offensive assistant/quality control coach Zak Hill could also be searching for alternative opportunities. Hill was an odd appointment last offseason, having spent the previous two campaigns (2022-23) as a high school coach in the Phoenix area. He was familiar to Grubb, having been Arizona State’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for two seasons (2020-21).

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Seahawks sign 11 players to futures/reserve contracts

Seahawks sign 11 players to futures/reserve contracts

The Seattle Seahawks concluded their 2024 season by defeating the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18. Having missed the postseason, the offseason has already begun for Seattle. Head coach Mike Macdonald made the first big decision of the summer by firing first-year offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.

Meanwhile, general manager John Schneider is also preparing for his portion of the offseason. The first step is often retaining developmental talents heading into the summer. Schneider recently signed the following 11 players to future/reserve contracts:

  • DT Quinton Bohanna
  • CB Ryan Cooper
  • LB Michael Dowell
  • CB Tyler Hall
  • C Mike Novitsky
  • DE Kenneth Odumegwu
  • S Ty Okada
  • WR Cornell Powell
  • LB Jamie Sheriff
  • LB Tyreke Smith
  • CB Damarion Williams

The most notable player listed is Jamie Sheriff. The undrafted rookie was a standout preseason performer, but didn’t make the initial 53-man roster. He spent the majority of the campaign developing on the practice squad.

If all of these names look familiar, it’s because they all appeared on Seattle’s practice squad at some point during the 2024 campaign. Practice squaders become unrestricted free agents when the season ends, forcing Seattle to offer the players they wanted to retain futures/reserve contracts. Defensive tackle Quinton Bohanna is among the most experienced talents on the list, and safety Ty Okada has been a contributor on special teams. Linebacker Michael Dowell was acquired in a trade during the preseason.

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Seahawks address offensive line in ESPN’s latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Seahawks address offensive line in ESPN’s latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft

The Seattle Seahawks will own the No. 18 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. As the only 10-win franchise to miss the postseason, it’s the lowest first-round selection among the non-playoff clubs. General manager John Schneider may address a multitude of issues, but none are more glaring than the underwhelming offensive line.

ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid recently released his latest first-round mock draft. Reid has the Seahawks focusing on Geno Smith’s protection by drafting Oregon Ducks offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr.

“The durability concerns surrounding right tackle Abraham Lucas are becoming a long-term issue, as he has been limited to 13 games over the past two seasons,” Reid wrote. “Finding a player who can develop inside at guard and eventually replace Lucas or could slot in at tackle right away should be a priority. The 6-4, 315-pound Conerly made a huge leap in his second season as a starter, allowing only one sack and five pressures. He could be Lucas’ heir apparent or jump in somewhere else on Seattle’s line.”

Lucas performed admirably after returning from injury this season, but there’s no denying that his recurring setbacks are becoming a long-term problem for Seattle. The Seahawks struggled mightily at right tackle in his absence, and need reliability at his position moving forward. It’s also worth acknowledging Lucas will be entering a contract year in 2025.

Seattle’s larger issues are across the interior of their offensive line. Perhaps if Conerly could play guard while Lucas remains at tackle, Schneider would address a more pressing performance issue while simultaneously finding a long-term solution at right tackle should Lucas suffer another setback. Either way, the Seahawks would be adding a quality player to their offensive line by drafting Conerly.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Rams on defense in Week 18

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Rams on defense in Week 18

The Seattle Seahawks’ defense took the field one final time in 2024, helping the team defeat the Los Angeles Rams 30-25 in Sunday’s Week 18 finale. Mike Macdonald’s unit forced Rams backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo into one turnover, and sacked him three times. Pro Football Focus was especially impressed with the following Seahawks, their three highest-graded players on defense from Sunday.

Artie Burns | 90.2

Veteran defensive back Artie Burns returned after a multi-month absence to earn a elite defensive grade from PFF. Burns totaled two quarterback pressures as a blitzer, and also only allowed two receptions on four receiving targets for 22 yards. The versatile, experienced defender also had a pass breakup.

Ernest Jones IV | 77.9

Off-ball linebacker Ernest Jones IV was his usual dominant self. Jones’ 77.9 overall defensive grade was his second-highest with the Seahawks this season. The versatile ‘backer accumulated nine tackles, two stops, and two pressures. He’ll now eye a contract extension in the offseason.

Devon Witherspoon | 75.7

Devon Witherspoon was everywhere, playing his usual do-it-all role for Macdonald’s stingy defense. The former No. 5 overall selection matched a season-high eight tackles and also broke up two passes. Witherspoon is the heartbeat of the Seahawks defense, and helped Seattle reach 10 victories for the first time since 2020.

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