Seahawks' Mike Macdonald hailed as 'greatest defensive mind' after Super Bowl run

Seattle's defensive coordinator put his team over the top in a division dominated by offensive masterminds.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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In his second season as head coach, Mike Macdonald led the Seattle Seahawks to a 14-3 regular season record and a berth in Super Bowl 60 against the New England Patriots. Macdonald's defense was the key, as the Seahawks finished the regular season and playoffs allowing the fewest points in the league. Macdonald's ability to adjust and his vulnerability in connecting with players were credited as major factors in the team's success.

Why it matters

Macdonald's hiring as a defensive-minded head coach in a division dominated by offensive gurus like Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan was seen as a bold move, but it paid off handsomely. The Seahawks were able to overtake the Los Angeles Rams and reach the Super Bowl with Macdonald's innovative defensive scheme and strong player relationships.

The details

In his rookie season, Macdonald's Seahawks finished 10-7 and narrowly missed the playoffs. But Macdonald was open about areas he needed to improve, which allowed the team to grow. The Seahawks' defense was the key, finishing first in the NFL in points allowed after being 11th the previous season. Macdonald's defense generated pressure without blitzing much, finishing third in the league in pressures.

  • Macdonald's Seahawks finished 10-7 in his first season as head coach in 2024.
  • In the 2025 regular season, the Seahawks went 14-3 and reached the Super Bowl.

The players

Mike Macdonald

The head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, who is being hailed as the 'greatest defensive mind' in the NFL after leading his team to the Super Bowl in his second season.

Leonard Williams

A Pro Bowl defensive lineman for the Seahawks who praised Macdonald's vulnerability and willingness to grow as a leader.

Ernest Jones IV

A linebacker who has played for both Macdonald and Rams coach Sean McVay, and believes Macdonald is the 'greatest defensive mind' in the league.

Uchenna Nwosu

A Seahawks linebacker who said Macdonald's confidence and trust in the players grew over the course of the 2025 season.

John Schneider

The general manager of the Seattle Seahawks, who praised Macdonald's intelligence and authenticity.

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What they’re saying

“To me, as a leader, I think he showed vulnerability. He was super open and brutally honest about where he felt like he lagged and where he felt like he needed to grow. And I think to see the head man like that, be so vulnerable, it allowed all of us to (see) we all have room to grow.”

— Leonard Williams, Pro Bowl defensive lineman (USA TODAY Sports)

“Sean McVay's one of the greatest offensive minds, and Mike Macdonald's the greatest defensive mind in my book. And the way they're just intentional to the details, they're able to adjust at any moment – I think that's what separates them.”

— Ernest Jones IV, Linebacker (USA TODAY Sports)

“His confidence has really grown over this last year. First time being a head coach, so he didn't know what to expect. Over the year, his confidence grew, his trust in us grew, and we started all playing better. And once we were playing better, it makes it a lot easier for him to do this thing, get in his bag and call his plays.”

— Uchenna Nwosu, Linebacker (USA TODAY Sports)

“Mike Macdonald over in the NFC West? Where it's McVay and Shanahan? OK, we're not gonna find another guy like that – let's find a defensive genius who can combat it. And then the leap we saw from Year 1? The defense grew schematically. … All of that's special.”

— Chris Simms, NBC analyst and former NFL quarterback (USA TODAY Sports)

“This defense attacks, they simply attack. The overriding theme for this team is to attack. It's an exciting defense to watch. Is it the Legion of Boom? No, it's completely different. But it's exciting to watch.”

— Cris Collinsworth, Analyst (USA TODAY Sports)

What’s next

The Seahawks will face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60, where Macdonald's defense will look to shut down the Patriots' offense and lead Seattle to its second Lombardi Trophy.

The takeaway

Mike Macdonald's growth as a head coach, from his vulnerability and willingness to improve in his first season to his innovative defensive scheme and strong player relationships in his second, has been a key factor in the Seahawks' remarkable turnaround and Super Bowl run. Macdonald's ability to adjust and connect with his team has made him one of the most respected defensive minds in the NFL.