DONE DEAL: Seahawks shock fans Names New Offensive Coordinator

Dec 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Seattle Seahawks helmet on the field during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 35-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Seahawks continue their search for an offensive coordinator, with a new candidate emerging while the list of finalists expands.

Byron Leftwich recently interviewed with Seattle for the OC role, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. Earlier this season, Leftwich expressed his intention to return to the NFL during the 2025 hiring cycle. He also interviewed for the Patriots’ head coaching job last week, though it would be unexpected for him to land a head coach position.

A coordinator role seems more likely, given his prior success in that capacity with the Buccaneers, where he led the team to top-three finishes in scoring from 2019 to 2021. While the Buccaneers’ performance declined in 2022 under Todd Bowles, Leftwich has the chance to rebuild his reputation with a fresh opportunity this year.

While Leftwich has had an initial meeting with Seattle, the team is advancing to second interviews for finalists. Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is scheduled to meet with the Seahawks today, following an earlier interview last week. Kubiak also drew interest from the Browns, but they promoted Tommy Rees to their OC position. Kubiak remains on the Saints’ staff, though the team’s ongoing head coaching search has allowed him to explore other options.

Grant Udinski is another finalist for the Seahawks’ position. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports that Udinski, an assistant OC and quarterbacks coach for the Vikings, has a second in-person interview today. The 28-year-old began his NFL coaching career with the Panthers under Matt Rhule in 2020 and joined Kevin O’Connell’s staff in Minnesota in 2022, earning a promotion last year.

Seattle’s former offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, was dismissed after one season. Head coach Mike Macdonald will oversee efforts to revitalize the offense in his second year, with a key decision looming on quarterback Geno Smith’s future. Regardless of who starts at quarterback in 2025, the new OC will be tasked with improving the team’s running game.

The Seahawks have also interviewed Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown and Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley for the role. It remains to be seen if either will join Kubiak, Udinski, and potentially Leftwich as finalists.

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