Macdonald publicly acknowledged a notable text exchange with Raiders owner after Seattle’s Super Bowl win, revealing that Tom Brady was among those who congratulated the team. The humorous remark from Macdonald—telling Brady, “Thanks for stealing our OC”—highlights the ongoing chatter surrounding coaching moves and congratulatory messages in a high-stakes season.
Kubiak’s departure prompted the Seahawks to promote Brian Fleury, formerly a tight ends coach and run game coordinator with the 49ers, to help fill the interim offensive leadership vacuum. The change comes as Seattle also negotiates terms with star running back Kenneth Walker III and looks to maintain offensive momentum from the championship run.
Among the other storyline drivers is Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s contract outlook. The wide receiver, coming off a standout 2025 campaign, signaled that he intends to be the league’s highest-paid at his position, emphasizing worth, timing, and long-term value to the franchise. His comments reflect the broader push from top players for market-resetting deals.
Seattle’s durability on defense and consistency on offense will be tested as they navigate new leadership and player negotiations while staying competitive against a league-wide shift toward more dynamic playmakers and sharper head coaching searches. The Seahawks’ path to repeating will require cohesive execution from Macdonald’s staff and a versatile, high-impact receiving corps anchored by Smith-Njigba.
In summary, Seattle enters the 2026 season facing a transitional period: a new offensive coordinator, ongoing player contract discussions, and the challenge of defending a championship while balancing ambitious market demands for its top talents. The team remains positioned to leverage its veteran leadership and young stars as it transitions into a critical offseason and the upcoming campaign.
