Seattle Seahawks fire offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb after just one season, head coach Mike Macdonald announced on his weekly Seattle Sports 710-AM radio show. The decision came one day after the Seahawks wrapped up their 10-7 season with a 30-25 win over the Los Angeles Rams, narrowly missing the NFL playoffs.
Why Ryan Grubb Was Fired
Macdonald cited differences in vision as the primary reason for Grubb’s dismissal.
“It’s really as simple as I felt like the direction our offense was going was different from the vision I had for our team,” Macdonald said. “Ryan’s a heck of a football coach. We achieved a lot on offense this year, but ultimately, I thought a change was necessary for the team’s best interest.”
While the Seahawks achieved some notable milestones—including quarterback Geno Smith setting multiple career highs and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s breakout season—Seattle’s offense struggled to maintain balance. The team ranked eighth in passing yards (236.5 per game) but fell to 28th in rushing offense (95.7 yards per game), an area of concern for the defensive-minded Macdonald.
Offensive Struggles and Key Stats
Seattle’s offense showed mixed results under Grubb:
- Scoring Offense: Ranked 21st, averaging 20.0 points per game.
- Total Offense: Ranked 14th, with 332.2 yards per game.
- Rushing Attack: Finished 28th in rushing yards and 17th in yards per carry (4.2).
The offensive line’s struggles also played a significant role in the Seahawks’ difficulties. Injuries and inconsistency up front contributed to Geno Smith being sacked 50 times, the third-most in the NFL this season.
Geno Smith and Players’ Support for Grubb
Geno Smith, who set a franchise record with 4,320 passing yards and completed 70.4% of his passes, expressed support for Grubb.
“I think Grubb is an excellent coordinator and an even better man,” Smith said. “This was his first year, and there were ups and downs. But I believe in this system, and I believe it’ll be successful in the long run.”
Despite player endorsements, Macdonald emphasized the need for alignment in offensive philosophy.
“We respect Ryan and wish him the best,” Macdonald added. “But we need a coordinator who shares our vision for a balanced and efficient offense.”
Seahawks Begin Search for a New Offensive Coordinator
Macdonald confirmed that the Seahawks’ search for a replacement would begin immediately. Among in-house candidates, passing game coordinator Jake Peetz is a potential option.
“We’re going to be thorough and efficient in finding the right fit,” Macdonald said. “We want someone who can lead our offense and align with our vision for success.”
Looking Ahead: Offseason Priorities
The Seahawks face several key decisions heading into the 2025 NFL season:
- Offensive Line Upgrades: Improving protection for Geno Smith and bolstering the run game will be top priorities. Center Olu Oluwatimi performed admirably after Connor Williams’ midseason retirement, but additional reinforcements are needed.
- Salary Cap Management: Seattle is over $8 million above the 2025 salary cap. Veteran receiver Tyler Lockett, with a $31 million cap hit, may be a candidate for restructuring or release.
- Finding Balance: The next offensive coordinator must address the team’s imbalance between passing and rushing to create a more consistent and effective attack.
Final Thoughts
The Seahawks’ 10-7 season marked an improvement under first-year head coach Mike Macdonald, but missing the playoffs underscored the need for changes. With a talented roster featuring Geno Smith, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Kenneth Walker III, Seattle remains an attractive destination for coaching candidates.
As the search for a new offensive coordinator begins, fans can expect the Seahawks to focus on creating a balanced and explosive offense to complement their improving defense. Keep an eye on updates as Seattle prepares for what promises to be a pivotal offseason.
For more info: official Seahawks site, NFL statistics