Field Gulls
Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak already has interviews set up with five of the eight NFL teams with head coach openings (so far). As Daniel Jeremiah on Seattle Sports Radio stated, “he seems to be the number one offensive candidate… everyone you talk to has him as the top offensive guy.” The Seahawks’ success this season as well as the last name “Kubiak” surely help as well. All of this points to the very high likelihood that Kubiak will be one and done in Seattle as offensive coordinator (OC). With that, let us look at some names of who could potentially replace Kubiak as OC.
This list will be in descending order, the favorite (or at least this author’s favorites) options up top, with other intriguing names below.
There is no need to go too deep into Stefanski as an option since the two-time NFL Coach of the Year will likely get another head coaching job this offseason. However, if that doesn’t happen, Stefanski would be a slam dunk hire. Stefanski helped develop Kirk Cousins into his best years with the Vikings before becoming the Browns head coach. While with the Browns, Stefanski helped develop Baker Mayfield into an NFL passer and led the team to two playoff appearances (2020 and 2023), the first playoff appearances for that franchise since 2002.
McDaniel is a formidable offensive mind, from his days back in San Francisco as their run game coordinator and offensive coordinator to his record setting offenses in Miami. There were rumors earlier this season that Seattle was interested in running back, Devon Achane. Why not bring in Achane’s coach and pair him with the Seahawks current running back room? The only reason McDaniel is not a legit option is because he very likely could be getting another head coaching job this offseason. And even if he doesn’t, he will likely be the number one offensive coordinator option for any NFL team this offseason.
Udinski was a favorite to land the Seahawks offensive coordinator job last offseason before Seattle went with Kubiak. However, Udinski quickly landed a job with the Jaguars as their offensive coordinator. This season, with Udinski and head coach Liam Coen, the Jaguars have quickly become a top offense in the NFL, and arguably the hottest offense currently in the playoffs. However, why would Udinski make a lateral move to Seattle? Well, Udinski does not call plays in Jacksonville; Coen does. Because of this, coming to Seattle as a play caller would technically be a promotion. Why is Udinski still unlikely? Two reasons. First, the Jaguars could still block an interview by Seattle, like the Giants did with Mike Kafka last season. Second, Udinski is already getting head coach interest from around the league.
Two seasons ago...
