Updates regarding the Seattle Seahawks’ search for their next offensive coordinator have arrived in quick succession in recent days. First, it was news that New Orleans Saints OC Klint Kubiak was receiving a second interview for the job. So is Minnesota Vikings assistant Grant Udinski, we’ve since learned. And former Tampa Bay Buccaneers OC Byron Leftwich is a surprise candidate, too.
Even with all of these developments, Kubiak should probably be considered the favorite. He’s far more experienced than Udinski (the other-known two-interview candidate). Operating under that impression, it’s important to evaluate whether or not Kubiak would improve Seattle’s run game, a core focus of Macdonald’s search for his next offensive play caller.
Seattle’s rushing attack finished 28th in yards per game (95.7) and total yards (1,627). They were among just five struggling offenses that failed to average 100-plus rushing yards per contest. It’s a big reason why Ryan Grubb was fired.
It’s interesting to compare how Kubiak’s Saints fared on the ground, since he was the offensive play-caller for a defensive-minded head coach. Despite personnel difficulties, the Saints averaged a 14th-best 114.9 ground yards per outing. That’s significantly better than Seattle’s 2024 output, and it becomes more impressive when you consider the adversity faced by Kubiak.
Starting quarterback Derek Carr dealt with recurring injuries, playing just 55% of New Orleans’ total offensive snaps. Top receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed both suffered season-ending injuries, making the offense one dimensional. Kubiak also faced coaching challenges, as the Saints fired head coach Dennis Allen midway through the season, appointing special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi as interim leader.
The Saints did have some continuity across their offensive line. Starting tackles Trevor Penning and Taliese Fuaga played nearly every snap, and Cesar Ruiz was largely available, too, playing 75% of the offense’s total snaps. Starting running back Alvin Kamara missed the final three games of the season, however, so there were additional personnel challenges present.
Despite the uneven work environment and significant injuries on a bad 5-12 team, Kubiak’s Saints ran the football with more effectiveness than Seattle did. That should appeal to Macdonald and GM John Schneider, who are searching for answers to their run-game woes. Kubiak likely presented those answers throughout his second interview in Seattle.
