Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf is a two-time Pro Bowler and is unquestionably one of the most explosive players in the entire NFL.
At 26-years-old, he will soon be entering his prime and hopes his impact on the Seahawks gets taken to a whole other level.
One of the most interesting things to keep an eye on this coming season will be how the Seahawks perform under new head coach Mike Macdonald
Seattle’s hiring of Macdonald went against the trend of NFL teams falling in love with offensive-minded head coaches.
Macdonald is a defensive coach from a defensive background. He’s been credited with helping to build both the Michigan Wolverine defense at the college level as well as the Baltimore Ravens’ in the NFL.
Turning just 37-years-old in two weeks, Macdonald is certainly a part of the new youth movement that has swept through the coaching world.
Metcalf joked that he feels a little annoyed that he has to play for yet another defense-first head coach.
“He’s a defensive coach. That’s one thing I don’t like about him,” Metcalf said with a smile. “But it’s good for our team.”
Of course, Metcalf’s previous head coach was none other than the legendary Pete Carroll.
The Seahawks shocked the football world with their decision to fire Carroll at the end of last season. (They can call it a mutual parting of ways all they want – but Carroll has confirmed that he wanted to keep coaching yet was forced out.)
Regarded as one of the best coaches of this generation, Carroll was always ultra-popular with his players.
In many ways, he was one of the very first “players-coaches.” And was certainly one of the first who actually had legitimate success in the league.
Metcalf made sure to point out just how much he values and downright misses Carroll on the sidelines.
“I love Pete. He’s the reason that I’m standing right here in front of you all, along with [general manager] John [Schneider],” Metcalf said.
“He was a great coach for me, can’t dismiss what he did for me in this organization, before I got here and when I got here.
He’s a great coach, a Hall of Fame-caliber coach in my opinion … Just sad to see somebody lose their job like that.”
This week’s minicamp marked the first time Metcalf publicly addressed Carroll’s dismissal.
Metcalf and Carroll had a strong relationship that began when they met at the NFL combine before the 2019 draft, where Seattle selected DK in the second round with the 64th overall pick.
“I’ve had conversations with him since then. He’s doing good and that’s all I can do is just keep in contact with him because he gave me an opportunity to play in this league,” Metcalf said.
Looking ahead, Metcalf is optimistic about his future under the new coaching staff, particularly with new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.
He praised Grubb’s system and its potential impact on the team’s talented trio of wide receivers – Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
“Every offense that I’ve played in from Schotty (Brian Schottenheimer) to Shane (Waldron) to now, they all have their unique variations, but I like the way Grubb’s offense is very explosive and he tries to push the ball downfield,” Metcalf said.
Metcalf also had kind words for Macdonald, expressing his respect and admiration for the coach’s unique approach.
“He’s not trying to copy anything that anybody’s done in the past. He’s just bringing Mike Macdonald to the Seattle Seahawks,” Metcalf said.
Macdonald, in turn, praised Metcalf for his leadership and work-ethic.
“The way he practices is really awesome. This guy practices extremely hard. Does all the little things that you’re asking him to do,” Macdonald said.
“It’s a great example that he’s setting for that room and really for our offense as a whole.”
While Metcalf is excited for the start of the Macdonald-era in Seattle, he also certainly misses his old coach. That much is clear.
Do you think the Seahawks made a massive mistake by kicking Carroll to the curb? … Will they end up regretting it?
Do you think we’ve seen the last of Carroll on the sidelines? … Will he get another crack at a head coaching job???
Sure, he’s no spring chicken, but he’s the youngest 72-year-old that mankind has ever known…