As the Seattle Seahawks prepare for a high-stakes playoff clash with the San Francisco 49ers this Saturday, there's a different kind of pressure building behind the scenes-one that doesn’t come from a defensive front or a blitz package. It’s the reality that success often comes at a cost, and for the Seahawks, that cost might be losing one of their brightest coaching minds: offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
Kubiak has been one of the rising stars in NFL coaching circles this season, and it’s no secret that teams across the league have taken notice. According to multiple league insiders, he’s currently viewed as a top contender for the Atlanta Falcons’ head coaching vacancy. And while nothing is official, the buzz is growing louder by the day.
It’s not hard to see why. In his first season running Seattle’s offense, Kubiak has transformed the unit into one of the league’s most productive.
The Seahawks finished third in the NFL in points per game (28.4), seventh in total yards (362.3), and eighth in passing yards (228.1). And those numbers become even more impressive when you consider the adversity this team faced-most notably, the turnover issues.
Seattle turned the ball over 28 times this season, second-most in the NFL, with quarterback Sam Darnold accounting for 20 of those himself. Yet, despite those miscues, Kubiak kept the offense humming.
That kind of resilience and creativity is what makes Kubiak such an appealing candidate for a head coaching job-especially for a team like the Falcons, who are hunting for direction and identity on offense. Atlanta has a young core with serious potential.
Even if the team parts ways with tight end Kyle Pitts, they still have two dynamic weapons in Bijan Robinson and Drake London. Pairing that talent with a forward-thinking offensive coach could be exactly what the Falcons need to unlock a new level.
There’s also the Michael Penix Jr. factor. The rookie quarterback showed flashes this season, but questions remain about his long-term viability as a franchise QB. Bringing in a head coach like Kubiak-someone who can tailor an offense to fit his strengths-might be the best way to find out whether Penix is the answer or not.
For Seattle, losing Kubiak would sting. Head coach Mike Macdonald is building something special in the Pacific Northwest, and Kubiak has been a major part of that foundation.
But this is what happens when you build a strong staff-other teams come calling. It’s a testament to the work being done in Seattle, even if it means facing the reality of turnover in the coaching ranks.
The Seahawks' focus remains squarely on their playoff matchup with the 49ers, and rightfully so. But make no mistake-Kubiak’s name will be one of the hottest in the NFL’s coaching carousel once Seattle's postseason run comes to an end.
Whether or not he ends up in Atlanta, it’s clear that his days as an offensive coordinator might be numbered. A head coaching opportunity is coming.
It’s just a matter of when and where.