And it is an incredible thing. John Schneider hired a Jim/Jon Harbaugh disciple completely opposite of what Pete Carroll is.
-Pete Carroll is the oldest coach. Mike Macdonald is the youngest.
-Pete had an antiquated scheme. Mike has a cutting edge, modern scheme that adapts to the players.
-Pete is exuberant. Mike is reserved.
-Pete is rah rah. Mike is about the x's and o's.
-Pete does less with more. Mike does more with less.
-Pete will smoke anybody at a press conference. Mike will be bland and boring.
-Pete was sloppy on the details. Mike is all about the details.
-Pete has to have his hand in every pie. Mike will focus on just being the coach.
John got the #1 Defensive Coaching candidate available. If you were looking to hire a defensive Head Coach this was the guy everyone wanted. And John landed him. Impressive. John probably wanted Ben Johnson more, but if he doesn't want to leave there is nothing you can do about that.
This is a win-win hire long term. As either, he will be a hit and shutdown McShanahan, -or- he will be mediocre, and will be moved off from in a couple years for an offensive HC. Right about that time when you're looking for your young and talented QB already drafted or about to be drafted needs help. This is a great way to think about it, they are taking a shot and giving defense one last try, if it works, it works. If it don't, well… No one in the league will be employing defensive head coaches at that point. And Seattle will go offensive HC as well.
I think Mike Macdonald will be a success at fixing the defense, and I expect them to take a big leap in yr 1. The 1100lb Gorilla in the room, as John even brought up in his presser is, now you will be playing musical chairs at OC and that can do a number on a young QB. This will be Mike Macdonald's biggest challenge. Is pairing an offensive coach with his QB--who is good, but not good enough to get hired away.
This hire is a slap in Pete's face as he is a Harbaugh disciple as mentioned earlier, severing all ties with Pete. They are not keeping the same culture, but pivoting in a new direction entirely. The only contribution Pete could make at this point to the football team is audition for head cheerleader.
I give this hire an A-
It fixes the defensive coaching issues they were having for years, and are modernizing across the board which is exciting! But you still face potential issues on offense by having a defensive HC, which are getting harder to solve without just having, straight up--An OFFENSIVE HC. 11 of 14 teams that made the playoffs were lead by offensive HCs. Only 2 were defensive (PITT & BUF)(BAL Special Teams) A defensive HC hasn't made the SuperBowl since Bill Belichick, which feels like a long time ago.
The Seahawks are one of the best run franchises in the league. The future is bright!