Mike Macdonald and the Seattle Seahawks are having a banner year, toting a 10-3 record after a win over the Atlanta Falcons, and sitting near the top of the NFC West. On Sunday, December 14, the Seahawks go up against the 8-5 Colts in a game that may take them to the top of the division.
With the success that Macdonald is having during the Seattle Seahawks’ 2025-26 season, plenty of people in the NFL think he’s a shoo-in to be named NFL Coach of the Year or at least to come close. But, the Seahawks won’t be satisfied if he just comes close, and the real crown jewel would be if he brings this elite honor to Seattle.
So, Macdonald is certainly in the conversation when it comes to Coach of the Year candidates, along with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, Jaguars leader Liam Coen, Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson and 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan. As the season comes to a close, Macdonald and Vrabel have been favorites and among the most consistent coaches in the league. But, there’s an interesting factor that may make a difference in who gets the award.
Seattle Seahawks Must-Win Games for Mike Macdonald’s Coach of the Year Chances
Mike Jones of the Athletic has a piece out on Friday, December 12, discussing the jam-packed Coach of the Year tally. In it, he makes the case that the most important remaining games of the season for Macdonald to snag this honor is the Seattle Seahawks’ rematch against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, December 18, and their game against the 49ers on January 4 ,2026.
Also, as of Friday, Current odds for the Coach of the Year pivoted to put Vrabel in front of Macdonald, but Macdonald is right behind him at No. 2.
“A year after guiding the Seahawks to a 10-7 record as a rookie head coach and just narrowly missing the playoffs, Macdonald has Seattle in the hunt again,” Jones notes in the piece. “One of just four teams with at least 10 wins already, the Seahawks boast one of the most dominant defenses and most explosive offenses in the league.”
Mike Macdonald Brings a Unique Perspective to the Seattle Seahawks
Macdonald, of course, came from a role as the defense coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, and in an offensive-minded league, it’s less common to have a former defense coordinator at the helm. That’s one of the reasons the Seahawks are so good on defense.
“The Seahawks rank second in the NFC West by virtue of a loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11, but one final meeting with both the Rams and San Francisco 49ers will carry a lot of weight as Macdonald’s squad aims for a deep postseason run,” Jones added.
Looking ahead, the Seattle Seahawks take on the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, December 14, at home. The Seahawks have a 98% chance of making the playoffs going into the game, according to NFL research, and that will increase to 99% if they win. If they lose, it will go down to 93%. So, while the stakes aren’t high for this game, it will lock the postseason in if they pull off the win.
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