Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is deep into his search for his next offensive coordinator after relieving first-year play caller Ryan Grubb of his duties mere hours after the 2024 season concluded. To date, Macdonald has identified five external candidates to oversee the offense next season. Three of them have received second, in-person interviews after initially interviewing virtually.
Though more twists and turns may arrive before a hire is announced, these are the three alleged finalists.
Klint Kubiak
New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak was the first candidate to receive a second interview. Kubiak is allowed to interview with the Seahawks despite being under contract in New Orleans because the Saints are currently appointing a new head coach. He’s been a popular candidate. He was considered for the Cleveland Browns’ job before they promoted from within. He’s also being linked to the New York Jets’ OC job should his former coaching mate Aaron Glenn land in East Rutherford.
Grant Udinski
Minnesota Vikings assistant offensive coordinator and assistant quarterbacks coach Grant Udinski has also advanced to the second stage, having met with Macdonald in-person about the job. Udinski hails from an extended branch of the ever-popular Sean McVay coaching tree, having learned under Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota. Everyone wants a piece of the O’Connell/Vikings offense after it made Sam Darnold look like a legitimate franchise quarterback this season.
Hank Fraley
Detroit Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley was the first-known candidate for the job, and the final of the reported three to receive a second interview. The Lions’ coaching staff is being gutted, with previous OC Ben Johnson being named the head coach of the Chicago Bears. That could free up Fraley for an in-house promotion, but other members of Dan Campbell’s staff are also expected to depart. Johnson’s appointment in The Windy City could make him a person of interest for a promotion there as well.
