Seahawks' New HC Mike Macdonald Hailed as 'The Future' by GM John Schneider

The Seattle Seahawks ushered in a new era on Thursday by introducing former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald as their new head coach.

During his introductory press conference, Seahawks general manager John Schneider insisted that Macdonald is the right choice to lead the franchise into 2024 and beyond.

"This is the future right here, this is where it's going," Schneider said, according to ESPN's Brady Henderson. "I think you're going to learn in getting to know Mike that he's a special dude."

Macdonald replaces Pete Carroll, who spent 14 seasons as head coach of the Seahawks, leading the team to five NFC West titles, two NFC championships, a Super Bowl title and a 137-89-1 record during his tenure.

Seattle parted ways with Carroll following back-to-back 9-8 finishes to the 2022 and 2023 seasons. While the team made the playoffs with that record during the 2022 campaign, it wasn't enough for a playoff berth this season.

Macdonald inherits a talented roster in 2024 that is highlighted by quarterback Geno Smith, running back Kenneth Walker III and wide receivers Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. On the defensive side, he'll coach a unit that includes Jamal Adams, Quandre Diggs, Devon Witherspoon and Dre'Mont Jones.

While he has an idea of who he will be coaching next season, Macdonald is now searching for an offensive coordinator to join his staff, and former Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb could fill that role, according to ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio.

As for the defense, Macdonald will continue to call plays and will eventually turn duties over to a defensive coordinator "when it becomes obvious that someone else is ready to go and we see it the same way," he said Thursday, according to Henderson.

After not being considered a true title contender over the last several seasons, the Seahawks are hoping Macdonald can help the franchise better contend with the NFC's best for years to come.