Seahawks’ Mike Macdonald Surprises with Third Place in Coach of the Year
Mike Macdonald, head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, delivered an impressive turnaround for the team, transitioning from a 9-8 record in 2023 to a remarkable 14-3 finish in 2025. Despite this success, he surprisingly did not secure the Coach of the Year award for the 2025 NFL season.
Coach of the Year Award Controversy
The award went to New England Patriots’ coach Mike Vrabel, who led his team from consecutive 4-13 seasons to a Super Bowl appearance. This award marks Vrabel’s second Coach of the Year title, having previously won in 2021 while coaching the Tennessee Titans.
Comparative Team Performances
- Seattle Seahawks: 14-3 record with the 15th hardest schedule (.498).
- New England Patriots: 14-3 record with the easiest strength of schedule (.391).
- Jacksonville Jaguars: 13-4 record, a significant improvement under Liam Coen, but lost in the Wild Card round.
Macdonald finished third in the voting, garnering eight first-place votes and accumulating 191 total points. This placed him significantly behind both Vrabel, who received 19 first-place votes and 302 points, and Jaguars’ coach Coen, who had 16 first-place votes and 239 points.
Notable Coaches in the Mix
- Ben Johnson (Chicago Bears): 1 first-place vote, 145 total points.
- Kyle Shanahan (San Francisco 49ers): 6 first-place votes, 140 total points.
As the Seahawks prepare for Super Bowl LX against the Patriots on February 8, 2026, Macdonald has the opportunity to achieve the league’s ultimate glory. Winning the Super Bowl would bring a prestigious Lombardi Trophy to Seattle, solidifying his legacy regardless of the Coach of the Year disappointment.
Looking Ahead to Super Bowl LX
The game is anticipated to be closely contested. Experts suggest that the Seahawks have an edge, with many betting on their success over the Patriots. With players ready to rise to the occasion, Super Bowl LX holds exciting potential for the Seahawks and Coach Macdonald.
