After selecting Mike Macdonald as their new head coach, the Seattle Seahawks need to make three adjustments.
In a couple of weeks, Pete Carroll, the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, went from being the oldest in the NFL to the youngest.
It was announced on Wednesday that Seattle, part of a clear youth movement in the Pacific Northwest, has appointed 36-year-old Mike Macdonald as its next head coach.
There will be some worry in Seattle going from the most prosperous period in the franchise’s history to the unknown. Additionally, it’s a chance for the organisation to move forward following a few mediocre seasons.
On both sides of the ball, Seattle boasts an abundance of youthful talent. It is appointing a young defence brain who is well-liked to take the helm. There will be significant organizational-wide effects from the Macdonald hiring. We examine three necessary actions that Seattle must do following this exceptional hire.
Greg Roman joins the Seattle Seahawks as their offensive coordinator.
Fans in Seattle might not be thrilled with it. After coordinating offences with the San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, and the aforementioned Ravens, Roman is perceived by some NFL fans as a bit of a rehash.
Having said that, Macdonald must assign an accomplished play-caller at the attacking end of the pitch. That is beyond dispute. Roman has ten years of NFL experience in this area. This covers a period in 2022 when Macdonald was in charge of the defence as the offensive coordinator for the Ravens.
This is a clear fit. Roman has overseen a top-10 running offence every season during his ten years as coordinator. Under Macdonald, Seattle’s emphasis will be on a strong defence and a ball-control offence. Roman would be a perfect fit, with Zach Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker heading things up on the ground. However, the Los Angeles Chargers could provide Seattle with some competition in this area.
Pro Bowler Patrick Queen has joined the Seattle Seahawks roster. Photo by Bob Self/Florida Times-Union
We are fully aware that Macdonald will try to insert a few of his own players from the Ravens’ defensive line. On that side of the ball, Baltimore has 11 upcoming free agents, which is fantastic news. Expect Seattle to add a number of former Ravens when the NFL’s March free agency period begins.
The most logical choice would be Queen. The inside linebacker recently made his first-ever appearance in the Pro Bowl. In 2023, he was named to the Second Team All-Pro after racking up 133 tackles, six passes defensed, and 3.5 sacks. The Ravens won’t have the money to re-sign Queen while Roquan Smith is playing well in Baltimore. Linebackers Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks of the Seahawks are also expected to be unrestricted free agents. How about using Queen to call defensive plays for Macdonald? It almost seems too obvious.
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The other component of Seattle’s offseason will involve finding Smith’s long-term replacement. It’s highly likely that the Pro Bowler will start for the Seahawks in the upcoming campaign. But Seattle should look for a long-term successor given his 2023 downturn.
