Mike Macdonald is stepping into big shoes as the new head coach of the Seahawks, taking over from the iconic Pete Carroll. And while some things are changing with the new leadership, others are staying the same. Music at practice, for example, is one of those enduring traditions. As the Seahawks’ rookie minicamp kicked off at the VMAC on Friday, the usual tunes were still playing, though at a slightly lower volume than during Carroll’s era.
But Macdonald, the former Ravens defensive coordinator, hinted that the volume would likely be cranked up soon. “We’ll kick it up a little bit,” he said, smiling. “Just trying to find the right balance.” During his time with the Ravens under head coach John Harbaugh, music was a common fixture at practice, and Macdonald plans to keep that vibe going in Seattle.
With only eight draft picks, 16 undrafted rookies, a couple of young vets, and about 25 tryout players, this weekend’s workouts are more about preparation for the larger Organized Team Activities (OTAs) later this month. It’s a big milestone for Macdonald, who’s coaching a full-team practice for the first time at any level.
Macdonald spent most of the day in what he called “observational mode,” donning a Seahawks hat and sunglasses, without the gloves that were part of Carroll’s trademark look. He carried a play card and jotted down notes after each play. Although defense is his area of expertise, he focused on overseeing everything, stepping in here and there but generally letting his staff handle the finer details.
“I’m just getting a feel for the team and the guys,” he explained. “When it gets down to the nitty-gritty with the defense, I’ll be more involved with those guys. But right now, it’s about getting a broader perspective.”
He’s also working with a largely new coaching staff, with defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Karl Scott being the only holdover from Carroll’s tenure. Macdonald does have some familiar faces among the coaching team, like assistant head coach Leslie Frazier and special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh, but offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and defensive coordinator Aden Durde are new faces for him. This adjustment period means Macdonald is learning not only the players but also the dynamics of his coaching staff.
“We have a vision for the principles that we want to abide by,” Macdonald said. “But the methods will be adjustable. If you’re not willing to adjust and evaluate, you’re not doing justice to the team. So that’s how we’ll operate.”
Despite the newness of it all, the rookie players on the field Friday were enthusiastic about Macdonald’s approach. Byron Murphy II, the team’s first-round pick, said, “I love coach Macdonald. He’s very demanding, and that’s the kind of coach I want to play for.” Tyrice Knight, a linebacker out of UTEP and fourth-round pick, echoed those sentiments. “He’s straight to the point. He expects the best, and I respect that,” Knight said.
Even though he’s not as talkative as Carroll, Macdonald has shown he can be lighthearted. When asked if he was more vocal during his Baltimore days, he laughed and replied, “Take a guess.” Tyrice Knight mentioned that he’d seen Macdonald’s smile when the coach told him to smile that morning. It’s clear that Macdonald is enjoying getting back on the field and that the team is rallying around him. “Anytime we’re doing football, I’m excited,” he said. “It’s the best part of the job for sure.”
