Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, who took over as head coach in 2024, confirmed on the Seattle Sports 710-AM radio show Jan. 6 that the team had parted ways with offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.
The Seahawks finished the 2024 season at 10-7 and missed the playoffs due to a strength of victory tiebreaker that went in favor of the Rams. Grubb could not keep up with the NFL system, causing the Seahawks to rank 28 out of 32 teams in rushing yards and 29 in rushing attempts. The Seahawks lack of commitment to the run game, despite having talented backs like Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet, was a key issue. It seemed like even when players like Charbonnet were having a breakout game they were unnecessarily throwing the ball, causing game-changing interceptions.
Grubb’s offense, which was built around a Washington Husky-style approach of slinging the ball in hopes of big plays, was a poor fit for the NFL. His style was too reliant on an up-tempo, pass-first approach that doesn’t work against NFL defensive schemes and the Seahawks could not master it. This led to teams like the Giants (3-14) beating them. Grubb called 15 pass plays on 17 snaps. The Seahawks simply couldn’t afford to have an offensive coordinator who ignored the power of the running game in favor of a flawed, one-dimensional passing attack that led to disaster.
Another big part of Grubb’s failing offense was the offensive line. They allowed 54 sacks this past season and Geno Smith threw 15 interceptions. The offensive line was beat up and battered by the playbook they were running.
Coach Macdonald said his vision for the offense was different from Grubb. He emphasized a desire to establish a more run-focused attack, which was not fully realized under Grubb’s leadership. With OC Grubb heading the offense the Seahawks would have no chance of seeing the postseason in the future. Firing him was one of the best decisions the Seahawks could have made this offseason. The team will look for a new offensive coordinator in the coming weeks. Hopefully someone without the UW playstyle.
The Seahawks are interviewing Grant Udinski, who was the assistant quarterbacks coach in 2024 for the Vikings. He served as part of the Viking offensive staff that helped Sam Darnold to his best season as a throw, throwing a career-high 35 touchdown passes. The Vikings had a great 2024 season finishing 14-3 and making the postseason before losing to the Rams in the first round. Seahawks fans should be worried about this hire because the Vikings were 19th in rushing yards.
The Seahawks should look for someone who can take advantage of Geno Smith’s arm while also limiting interceptions and implementing the run game. This could be implemented through more run and play-action calls that could lead to better opportunities on the field. Being only one game away from the postseason is not how the Seahawks wanted to end the season. They will have to come together to get the offense moving again next year or they will continue to miss the playoffs for years to come.
