The Seahawks ultimately hired a defensive coordinator to follow Pete Carroll, but it wasn’t what some initially expected.
Seattle has hired Ravens defensive coordinator Mike McDonald as head coach. According to NFL Network.
McDonald reportedly had an interview on Tuesday and returned for a second interview on Wednesday.
He has a six-year contract to lead the NFC West franchise. Per NFL Network.
He beat out initial favorites Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, among other candidates.
The hire, which was vetoed by Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, makes the Commanders the only team among the first eight teams not to fill the vacancy.
According to ESPN, the 36-year-old is on track to become the NFL’s youngest coach when the 2024 season begins.
He has emerged as one of the top coaching candidates this offseason after leading Baltimore’s elite defensive unit and leading the league in allowing just 16.5 points per game en route to the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
Seattle has had success under a defensive-minded coach in Carroll and now hopes McDonald can do the same.
The Seahawks missed the playoffs last season with a 9-8 record.
