News: Stories Highlighting the Remarkable Shift of Seahawks Coach Mike Macdonald

Mike Macdonald's Early Days: From Player to Coach

To hear him tell it, Mike Macdonald, the defensive guru, was born out of necessity, the product of Mike Macdonald the mediocre football player.

Now, if you were to ask people who were in Roswell, Georgia, two decades ago watching Centennial High School football, you would surely find folks who would disagree with Macdonald’s self-deprecating descriptions of his athletic prowess.

The Shift to Coaching

But the way Macdonald remembers it, he became a student of the game because he had to in order to keep up on the field. In other words, the level of football acumen that helped Macdonald climb the coaching ranks was simply the product of a teenager trying to find an edge on the field.

As it turned out, Macdonald loved that side of the game.

• “In order for me to have success when I was playing, I felt like I needed an edge, so I was always intrigued by being ahead of the game,” Macdonald said.

Building Connections Beyond the Game

However, Macdonald soon realized there was more to coaching than strategies. The ability to connect with players presented a rewarding aspect of coaching.

• That connection has been evident early in Macdonald’s tenure in Seattle.

Despite being a serious coach, his bond with players, particularly cornerback Devon Witherspoon, shows his approachable side.

After one practice, Macdonald encountered a playful moment with Witherspoon, showcasing their tight-knit relationship.