Coaching Perspective at the Seahawks
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Coaching in the NFL often requires more than just strategy; it involves tuning into player feedback.
Justin Hynes, the defensive line coach for the Seattle Seahawks, has an impressive track record. He’s worked with established players like DeMarcus Lawrence, Leonard Williams, and Jarran Reed. But having experience doesn’t mean he takes it easy.
Instead, Hynes feels the pressure to earn respect from athletes who can easily spot insincerity.
“To be an effective coach, you need to surround yourself with talented players. That’s where it all begins,” Hynes shared. “It’s a back-and-forth relationship. They contribute to my growth, and I, in turn, invest in them. The standout quality is that they can coach each other. If you enter a space and the veterans can’t do this, tensions arise, and as a newer coach, you can find yourself at a disadvantage.”
Originally from Woodbridge, N.J., Hynes spent over ten years coaching at the college level before joining the Bears as the assistant defensive line coach in 2022.
“If there’s a lack of technical aggression, then success is limited,” Hynes noted. “Effort isn’t up for negotiation. It’s about collaboration and healthy competition. Those are the essentials, and everyone in our room reflects that mentality. If you don’t, you’ll stand out for the wrong reasons.”
His ascent to lead the position group in 2024 was thanks to a recommendation from Leslie Frazier, his mentor during the Minority Coaching Fellowship. Frazier’s defensive line laid the groundwork for the Seahawks’ successful defense that culminated in a Super Bowl victory in 2026.
“I’m proud of his journey,” Williams remarked. “We’ve got a fantastic mix of youth and experience. He’s learning from the veterans while also offering valuable insights. He’s been doing a great job.”
Rookies like Byron Murphy, Boi Maffet, and Derrick Hall have made notable contributions this season, while veterans Lawrence, Williams, and Reid accumulated 169.5 sacks during the regular season. Interestingly, none of these six players had reached a Super Bowl before this playoff run.
“They watch more NFL games than I do,” Hynes said. “My approach to development has been informed by those experiences. We’re building this properly with the knowledge we’ve gained. There’s no one-size-fits-all method, so while everyone gets support, it’s personalized.”
Hynes acknowledges his New Jersey upbringing has shaped him.
“It requires some grit,” he explained. “Being assertive is key—if you’re passive, you won’t find what you need. It has taught me how to engage with players who might be difficult. Sometimes, maybe yelling isn’t the best approach, especially in front of everyone. Let’s shift gears here for a moment.”
His coaching journey has also benefitted from working under a defensive-minded head coach like Mike McDonald and coordinator Aden Daade, who hails from England.
“AD introduced me to the defensive line in a way that was really out-of-the-box, very creative. He helped sharpen my real-time decision-making,” Hynes remarked. “I learned under his guidance and can now view the game from a more realistic perspective.”
