Seahawks' Mike Macdonald Dismisses Revenge Factor from Super Bowl 49 Loss

Seattle's head coach says the team is focused on the present, not the past, ahead of Super Bowl LX rematch with the Patriots.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 8:47pm

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Eleven years after their heartbreaking Super Bowl 49 loss to the New England Patriots, the Seattle Seahawks have a chance at revenge in Super Bowl LX. However, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald says the team has not discussed avenging that previous defeat, insisting they are solely focused on the current matchup.

Why it matters

The Seahawks' Super Bowl 49 loss to the Patriots is one of the most memorable and controversial finishes in NFL history. While many fans and pundits expected Seattle to seek retribution, Macdonald's comments suggest the team is taking a different approach, emphasizing their current strengths over dwelling on past failures.

The details

In Super Bowl 49, the Seahawks were on the verge of a second straight championship when Malcolm Butler's goal-line interception of Russell Wilson's pass denied them victory. Now, with a new quarterback in Sam Darnold and a dominant defense, the Seahawks have a chance to avenge that crushing defeat. However, Macdonald says the team has not discussed the revenge factor, instead focusing on their own preparation and performance for the upcoming Super Bowl LX matchup.

  • Super Bowl XLIX was played on February 1, 2015.
  • Super Bowl LX is scheduled for February 9, 2026.

The players

Mike Macdonald

The head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, who says the team is not focused on avenging their Super Bowl 49 loss to the Patriots.

Malcolm Butler

The former New England Patriots cornerback who made the game-saving interception against the Seahawks in Super Bowl 49.

Sam Darnold

The Seahawks' current starting quarterback, who is playing the best football of his career heading into Super Bowl LX.

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What they’re saying

“No," he said in response to a question about this being a revenge game on Wednesday. "We haven't talked about it once.”

— Mike Macdonald, Head Coach, Seattle Seahawks (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Seahawks and Patriots will face off in Super Bowl LX on February 9, 2026, with the Seahawks favored by 4.5 points.

The takeaway

Despite the emotional weight of their previous Super Bowl matchup, the Seahawks' current coaching staff is focused on the present, not the past. By emphasizing their own strengths and preparation over seeking revenge, Macdonald and the Seahawks are taking a mature, professional approach to the big game.