The Seattle Seahawks find themselves at a pivotal crossroads this offseason, tasked with replacing Klint Kubiak after his departure to become the Las Vegas Raiders’ new head coach. Kubiak’s lone season calling plays in Seattle was a strong one-his offensive acumen helped stabilize the unit and brought out the best in a group that had its share of ups and downs in recent years.
Now, the challenge for head coach Mike Macdonald is clear: maintain the momentum Kubiak helped build without disrupting the chemistry that made it work. And based on what we’re hearing, the Seahawks are leaning toward keeping things in-house.
Four names have emerged as serious contenders for the offensive coordinator role: quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko, offensive line coach John Benton, pass-game coordinator Jake Peetz, and Lions run-game coordinator Hank Fraley. Of that group, Janocko appears to be the frontrunner-and for good reason.
Janocko has been Kubiak’s right-hand man for years, serving as his quarterbacks coach with the Vikings, Saints, and most recently, the Seahawks. That kind of continuity is rare in the NFL, and it’s not something Seattle is taking lightly.
Macdonald has already emphasized the importance of stability within his staff, saying, “A really important part of what we’re doing here is continuity. Right there, that’s where my mind is.”
Here’s where things get interesting: Janocko is also a top candidate to follow Kubiak to Las Vegas and become the Raiders’ offensive coordinator. But there’s a key difference between the two opportunities.
In Seattle, Janocko would have the chance to call plays-a major draw for any offensive mind looking to take the next step in their coaching career. In Vegas, that responsibility will belong to Kubiak.
If Seattle offers him the OC job, the expectation is that Janocko would stay. And if that happens, it could trigger a domino effect.
John Benton, the Seahawks’ offensive line coach, could then follow Kubiak to the Raiders and potentially take on the offensive coordinator role there. Benton has the experience and familiarity with Kubiak’s system to make that move a seamless one.
Jake Peetz, the team’s pass-game coordinator, is also in the mix for Seattle’s OC role. He brings a sharp mind and a strong background in quarterback development, but Janocko’s established relationship with both Kubiak and quarterback Sam Darnold gives him the edge. That connection with Darnold, who had one of his more efficient seasons under Janocko’s guidance, is another reason the Seahawks may want to keep him around.
Then there’s Hank Fraley, Detroit’s run-game coordinator. He’s the only external candidate currently being mentioned, and while his résumé is solid, he’s considered more of a fallback option. Unless Seattle loses multiple coaches to Las Vegas, Fraley’s chances of landing the job appear slim.
At the end of the day, this decision is about more than just X’s and O’s-it’s about preserving the culture and cohesion that Macdonald is trying to build. Promoting Janocko would allow the Seahawks to keep their offensive identity intact while giving a rising coach the opportunity to take the reins.
For a team looking to take the next step in a competitive NFC West, that kind of internal promotion could be the smartest move they make all offseason.