Seahawks’ Offensive Coordinator Search: A Look at History and Potential Internal Candidates

The Seattle Seahawks are navigating the crucial task of finding a new offensive coordinator following Klint Kubiak’s departure to the Las Vegas Raiders. While the identity of the next play-caller remains uncertain, recent NFL history strongly suggests a familiar face will be taking the reins. The likelihood of an internal hire is high, with candidates like Jake Peetz and Justin Outten drawing significant speculation. Andrew Janocko also emerges as a strong contender, provided he doesn’t follow Kubiak to Las Vegas.

Why Internal Promotions are Common After Super Bowl Success

There are two compelling reasons why a Super Bowl-winning team often promotes from within. Firstly, it preserves continuity within a system that has demonstrably proven successful. Secondly, the timing of the coaching carousel often favors internal candidates. By early February, many of the top external options have already been secured by other teams.

Interestingly, the historical precedent for this situation is surprisingly limited. Over the past decade, only four defending Super Bowl champions have needed to replace their offensive coordinator. Remarkably, no Lombardi Trophy winner has had to replace their defensive coordinator during that same period, hinting at a league-wide preference for offensive-minded coaches.

The Timeline Advantage

The Raiders’ willingness to wait for Kubiak is an exception, not the rule. Delaying a coordinator hire until after the Super Bowl can significantly disadvantage a franchise. The pool of available assistant coaches shrinks rapidly, and preparation for free agency and the NFL Draft falls behind schedule. A year or two after a Super Bowl run often presents a more opportune time for a coordinator to land a head coaching role. They have a recent track record of success and are available earlier in the hiring cycle.

Recent Examples of Internal Promotions

Let’s examine recent instances of Super Bowl winners replacing their offensive coordinators:

• 2018 (Philadelphia Eagles): Promoted Mike Groh from wide receivers coach to OC after Frank Reich became the head coach in Indianapolis.
• 2023 (Kansas City Chiefs): Andy Reid promoted Matt Nagy from senior assistant and QB coach after Eric Bieniemy took the play-calling role in Washington.
• 2024 (Philadelphia Eagles): Nick Sirianni elevated Kevin Patullo from pass game coordinator/associate head coach to OC following Kellen Moore’s departure to New Orleans.
• 2022 (Los Angeles Rams): Sean McVay hired Liam Coen, who had previously been with the Rams from 2018-2020 before a year at the University of Kentucky.

In all but one case, the team opted for an internal candidate, or someone with a very close prior connection to the organization.

What About Mike Macdonald?

The Seahawks’ situation presents a unique dynamic. The four head coaches who previously hired a new OC after a Super Bowl win – Doug Pederson, Sean McVay, Andy Reid, and Nick Sirianni – all came from the offensive side of the ball. Mike Macdonald, a defensive-minded head coach, may prioritize experience when selecting his offensive coordinator. Could this lead him to consider someone beyond Peetz, Outten, or Janocko?

While a long shot, Macdonald could explore luring Klay Kubiak, Klint’s brother, away from his role with the San Francisco 49ers. The appeal for Klay would be the opportunity to call plays, something he doesn’t currently do. However, this scenario seems unlikely.

The Verdict: History Points to an Internal Hire

Ultimately, historical trends suggest the Seahawks’ next offensive coordinator is already within the organization. Preserving continuity and the limited availability of external candidates strongly favor an internal promotion. Keep an eye on Jake Peetz, Justin Outten, and Andrew Janocko as the most likely contenders. You can find more insights on 12th Man Rising.