As the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks have made a surprising choice in their search for a new offensive coordinator. Many anticipated an internal promotion, but head coach Mike Macdonald opted for Brian Fleury, a seasoned assistant from their division rival, the San Francisco 49ers.
Fleury, who was the 49ers' run game coordinator and tight ends coach last season, brings a wealth of experience to Seattle. He was introduced as the Seahawks' new offensive coordinator at a press conference, where Macdonald praised the internal candidates but highlighted Fleury's unique fit with the team's culture and vision.
Macdonald emphasized the alignment between Fleury's offensive philosophy and the Seahawks' principles, noting their shared focus on connectivity and attention to detail. This connection was further validated by endorsements from mutual acquaintances like New York Jets defensive coordinator Brian Duker and Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.
Fleury's coaching journey is diverse, with roles on both sides of the ball. He began with the Buffalo Bills as a quality control coach in 2013, before moving to the Cleveland Browns as an assistant and then outside linebackers coach. His analytical skills were honed with the Miami Dolphins, where he served as a football research analyst and later director of football research.
His tenure with the 49ers under head coach Kyle Shanahan saw him evolve from defensive to offensive roles, culminating in his recent position as run game coordinator. Now, as he steps into the role of offensive play caller for the first time, Macdonald is confident in Fleury's ability to thrive.
“All play callers have to start somewhere,” Macdonald remarked, expressing excitement about the opportunities ahead for Fleury and the team. With a strong support system in place, the Seahawks are eager to see how Fleury will shape their offense moving forward. This new chapter promises to be an exciting evolution for Seattle, as they aim to build on their recent success.