Mike Macdonald Selects Brian Fleury as Seahawks Offensive Coordinator
Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald, after a victory in Super Bowl LX, focused on finding a new offensive coordinator. Initially, he considered internal promotions, but the conversation with Brian Fleury changed the course.
Fleury, assistant to the San Francisco 49ers, impressed Macdonald, securing the position over four other internal candidates who were also interviewed to replace Klint Kubiak, who became coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.
“He did a phenomenal job. I think his vision and what he believes offensively… aligned with what we want. The principles and philosophy of how he approaches his work and how he trains, and what he wants from our offense, he took it directly from our culture,” Macdonald stated.
Mike Macdonald
Although Fleury has no experience in calling offensive plays, Macdonald found in him a coach who shared his vision. Macdonald highlighted the similarity in mentality and work style, feeling that Fleury would be a great partner.Macdonald sought continuity for quarterback Sam Darnold and the rest of Seattle’s offense. Fleury, with seven seasons under 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, will bring his experience. His offense, according to Fleury, will be “fast, violent, and aggressive”, seeking to pressure defenses both schematically and in terms of pace.
During Kubiak’s season in Seattle, the Seahawks led the NFL in designed run rate. Fleury plans to maintain what Kubiak achieved, complementing it with what was developed in San Francisco.
Fleury, a former college quarterback, has worked on defense, which, according to him, influences his offensive approach. Currently, he is one of 13 non-head coaches who have this role in the NFL. He could call plays from the field and from the booth during the preseason.
Macdonald believes that experience in play-calling is “a bit overrated,” relying on the team to support Fleury. The Seahawks are finalizing their offensive staff. Andrew Janocko, former quarterbacks coach, will join Kubiak on the Raiders. Daniel Stern, former director of football strategy for the Baltimore Ravens, joins the Seattle team. Justin Outten will be the running game coordinator, and Thomas Hammock, former head coach of Northern Illinois, will be the running backs coach and senior offensive assistant.
Macdonald also confirmed the hiring of Zachary Orr, former defensive coordinator of the Ravens, as inside linebackers coach. Kirk Olivadotti will have a different role on the Seattle staff.
