Drew Lock has seen both sides of the Seattle Seahawks' recent coaching transition, and his perspective offers an inside look at how the culture has evolved from the Pete Carroll era to the new regime under Mike Macdonald. After spending multiple seasons in Seattle-with a brief detour to the New York Giants-Lock returned this past offseason and is now one of the few players in the building who can speak to the contrast between the two head coaches.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a case of one coach being better than the other. Both Carroll and Macdonald are known for their measured, player-first approaches.
Neither is the type to throw a guy under the bus in a press conference or rule with an iron fist. But what Lock highlights is the difference in how they manage the day-to-day, and how that shapes the tone and identity of the locker room.
When Macdonald took over in 2024, Lock wasn’t around-he’d signed with the Giants in search of a chance to start. That opportunity never truly materialized, and Lock ended up watching from the sidelines as New York’s quarterback situation unraveled.
It was a tough lesson, but one that reinforced what he values in an organization. And when Seattle came calling again, he didn’t hesitate to come back-this time on a two-year deal.
Now back in the Pacific Northwest, Lock sees a Seahawks team that’s not just talking about building a winning culture-they’re living it. He spoke recently about the mindset that’s been instilled throughout the building, particularly when it comes to quarterback play.
“The best line I’ve heard as far as the quarterback goes is, ‘You’re going to play aggressive but not reckless,’” Lock said, via The Athletic. “That’s the mindset.
‘Take your shot.’ It’s not saying, ‘Don’t throw picks’...
Positive coaching, I think it’s a real thing. Let’s talk about the good things we’re going to go do and learn from the bad things that we do.
That’s the mentality that everybody in this building has, and it allows guys to play free.”
That idea-playing free-might sound like a cliché, but in today’s NFL, it’s a crucial edge. The margin for error is razor-thin, especially at quarterback.
Players who feel supported, not second-guessed, tend to make better decisions and bounce back faster from mistakes. That’s something Seattle has embraced under Macdonald, and it’s showing up on the field.
Take Sam Darnold, for example. He’s had his struggles this season, particularly with turnovers, leading the league in that category.
But what stands out is how he’s responded. There’s no sign of a quarterback playing scared or looking over his shoulder.
That kind of resilience doesn’t happen in a vacuum-it’s nurtured by a coaching staff and front office that backs its players, even when the stat sheet isn’t pretty.
Lock hasn’t had many snaps this season, but his presence in the locker room matters. He’s a veteran voice who understands the system and the culture, and he’s fully bought in.
His decision to re-sign with Seattle, despite potential opportunities elsewhere, speaks volumes about what the Seahawks are building. He’s not just collecting a paycheck-he believes in the direction of the franchise.
And that belief is shared by many within the organization. There’s a sense of unity and mutual respect that stretches beyond the field.
Coaches, players, staff-they’re all pulling in the same direction. It’s the kind of environment that makes a difference in tight playoff games, when trust and cohesion matter most.
As the Seahawks continue their postseason run, the hope is that Lock doesn’t have to take the field. That would mean Darnold is healthy and thriving, guiding Seattle through the gauntlet toward a Super Bowl. But if Lock’s number is called, there’s confidence he’ll be ready-because he’s in a system that believes in him, not one that’s waiting for him to fail.
For Seahawks fans, or “12s,” this kind of culture is something to be proud of. It’s not just about wins and losses-it’s about how the team carries itself, how it treats its people, and how it represents the city. And with leaders like Macdonald at the helm and veterans like Lock buying in, it’s clear that the foundation in Seattle is as strong as it’s been in years.