Seahawks Hire NIU Coach as NFL's Highest-Paid RB Coach

Seattle bolsters coaching staff with high-profile offensive and defensive hires ahead of title defense.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 11:39am by Ben Kaplan

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The Seattle Seahawks have made several high-profile coaching hires, including appointing Brian Fleury as their new offensive coordinator and bringing on Northern Illinois head coach Thomas Hammock as the NFL's highest-paid running backs coach. The team has also added former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr as their new inside linebackers coach, reuniting him with Seahawks defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald.

Why it matters

These strategic coaching moves by the Seahawks demonstrate the team's commitment to defending their Super Bowl LX title. By investing heavily in their offensive and defensive coaching staffs, the Seahawks are positioning themselves to maintain their championship-caliber performance and build on their recent success.

The details

Fleury arrives in Seattle after a successful stint as the San Francisco 49ers' run game coordinator, bringing expertise in tight ends and the ground attack. Hammock, the new running backs coach, is expected to become the highest-paid coach at his position in the NFL, underscoring the Seahawks' focus on supporting their backfield talent, particularly with the impending free agency of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III. On the defensive side, Macdonald has reunited with Zach Orr, the former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator, who will serve as the Seahawks' inside linebackers coach.

  • The Seahawks made these coaching hires in February 2026, ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

The players

Brian Fleury

The new offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, previously served as the run game coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers.

Thomas Hammock

The new running backs coach and senior offensive assistant for the Seattle Seahawks, previously served as the head coach of Northern Illinois University.

Zach Orr

The new inside linebackers coach for the Seattle Seahawks, previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens.

Mike Macdonald

The defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, previously worked with Zach Orr in Baltimore.

Kenneth Walker III

The Super Bowl MVP running back for the Seattle Seahawks, whose impending free agency is a key factor in the team's coaching hires.

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What’s next

The Seahawks will look to finalize their coaching staff and roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season as they aim to defend their Super Bowl championship.

The takeaway

The Seahawks' aggressive coaching hires, including the NFL's highest-paid running backs coach, show the team's determination to remain a powerhouse in the league and build on their recent Super Bowl success.