Ryan Grubb has been let go. Who could be Seattle’s next offensive coordinator?
The Seattle Seahawks fired Ryan Grubb shortly after the end of the season. With that, the franchise began the process of searching for a new offensive commander.
The OC position in Seattle is very interesting. Whoever takes over will probably have total control of the offense, as if he were an Offensive Head Coach, something similar to what Dan Quinn did with Kyle Shanahan in Atlanta. This freedom is something that coaches can really desire.
Let’s go!
The challenge of being an offensive coordinator in NFL
Grubb seemed to fall into the wrong place at the wrong time, I believe he has the potential to be an excellent name in the NFL in a few years. He needed to adapt from college to the NFL while running the entire offense. That’s the problem; you can be an excellent positional coach, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be a great OC.
Take Shane Waldron as an example. As much as some fans hate his time in Seattle, he was clearly a creative guy, with current offensive tendencies. However, being an OC requires you to be a good communicator, to get the message across to your players. Also, the main characteristic is to read the game, come up with a plan to adapt and implement it during a game. How many games have we seen the Seahawks making the same mistakes throughout a game, without any adjustments?
Another issue is responsibility. We often see a positional coach being appointed to the OC position, but calling plays is a complicated art. Also, when you see the success of a unit, you need to know who deserves the credit, in order not to be surprised by a Nathaniel Hackett. He became Head Coach due to his good work as OC with the Green Bay Packers. His season with the Broncos was terrible, and then he was OC with the Jets and it was just as bad. Clearly the credit for the success of this offense should go to Matt Lafleur.
*Called for an interview with Seattle
Good options
Here, I list the options that I believe are the best for Seattle.
Klint Kubiak, Saints OC*
Texas A&M (2010–2011)
Offensive quality control coach;
Texas A&M (2012)
Graduate assistant;
Minnesota Vikings (2013–2014)
Offensive quality control coach;
Kansas (2015)
Wide receivers coach;
Denver Broncos (2016–2018)
Offensive assistant;
Minnesota Vikings (2019–2020)
Quarterbacks coach;
Minnesota Vikings (2021)
Offensive coordinator;
Denver Broncos (2022)
Passing game coordinator & quarterbacks coach;
San Francisco 49ers (2023)
Passing game coordinator;
New Orleans Saints (2024–present)
Offensive coordinator;
Kubiak has the Shanahan style in his DNA. He is the son of Gary Kubiak, who built a dominant NFL offense with Kyle’s father, Mike, for years, with what would become the modern-day wide zone. Kubiak has extensive experience in various roles. different aspects of the offense as a WRs, QBs and Passing Game Coordinator coach. I like that in an OC; it gives him the holistic view of how an offense works/should work. The experience he had in one year with the 49ers as PGC is also strong addition to his resume.
In his most recent job with the Saints, Kubiak got off to a blistering start. He used play action at a very high rate, something we were unable to do with Grubb. However, as injuries and the season progressed, the Saints offense simply stalled and he was unable to find solutions for it.
Also on the negative side, we have the fact that he was part of Hackett’s coaching staff during a disastrous season for the offense. Kubiak even took over the offensive play-calling duties in November of that season.
Dave Ragone, Rams QB Coach
Hartford Colonials (2010)
Quarterbacks coach;
Tennessee Titans (2011–2012)
Wide receivers coach
Tennessee Titans (2013)
Quarterbacks coach;
Washington Redskins (2015 )
Offensive quality control coach;
Chicago Bears (2016–2019)
Quarterbacks coach;
Chicago Bears (2020)
Passing game coordinator;
Atlanta Falcons (2021–2023)
Offensive coordinator;
Los Angeles Rams (2024–present)
Quarterbacks coach;
Another option that has had various roles on offense, including being an OC. He has worked extensively with QBs, including his current role with the Rams. Whether it’s to “fix” some of Geno’s problems or to help refine Seattle’s QB of the future in the upcoming Drafts, this background is important.
One point worth noting is that he was Arthur Smith’s OC (although he didn’t call the plays). You may not remember now, but Macdonald reportedly originally wanted Smith to be his OC before he ended up signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Also, according to the Rams, Ragone brought in Mike Munchak as a consultant. He had an impact on the Rams’ OL rebuild that has yielded some serious value in free agency and the draft. This is certainly Seattle’s biggest need right now. Munchak could even fill the shoes of the disappointing Scott Huff.
Marcus Brady, Chargers Passing Game Coordinator
Montreal Alouettes (2009–2011)
Wide receivers coach;
Montreal Alouettes (2012)
Offensive coordinator;
Toronto Argonauts (2013–2017)
Offensive coordinator;
Indianapolis Colts (2018)
Assistant quarterbacks coach;
Indianapolis Colts (2019–2020)
Quarterbacks coach;
Indianapolis Colts (2021–2022)
Offensive coordinator;
Philadelphia Eagles (2022)
Offensive consultant;
Philadelphia Eagles ( 2023)
Senior offensive assistant;
Los Angeles Chargers (2024–present)
Passing game coordinator;
He’s a former CFL quarterback, so he knows the job on the field, too. He grew up with the Colts, starting as an assistant and then moving up to QB Coach. and finally OC. When he was with the Colts, he led a dominant running unit with Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, and Braden Smith blocking for Jonathan Taylor.
He spent two years as a consultant for the Eagles before being hired by Jim Harbaugh to be the Chargers’ PGC. I don’t need to remind you of the relationship Mike Macdonald has with the Harbaugh family. He shares the philosophy of a physical team in the trenches and Brady was involved in this last year.
Good options, but no OC experience in the NFL
Here we continue with good options, but they have never been OC in their careers.
Hank Fraley, Lions OL Coach*
San Diego (2012)
Offensive line coach;
San Jose State (2013)
Offensive line coach;
Minnesota Vikings (2014–2016)
Assistant offensive line coach;
UCLA (2017)
Offensive line coach;
Detroit Lions (2018–2019)
Assistant offensive line coach;
Detroit Lions (2020–present)
Offensive line coach ;
This was the first name Seattle asked for permission to interview. Last year Seattle had interest in Lions PGC Tanner Engstrand. However, with Ben Johnson’s imminent departure, he must either follow the Lions OC, or he may receive an offer to be promoted in Detroit.
Want a positive about Fraley? He’s worked his entire life with the OL. Want a negative? He’s worked his entire life ONLY with the OL.
Fraley helped the Lions build one of the best OLs in the league, if not the best. In addition to getting the best out of very good players, such as Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow, Fraley helped develop players who did not have the elite label. Some examples are Jonah Jackson, Evan Brown (former Seahawk), Dan Skipper, and so on.
The coach has an excellent relationship with his players. In fact, many of them pleaded with Dan Campbell for a promotion to OL Coach.
One reservation I have is the lack of experience, apparently, in the offense outside of the OL. Normally some OL Coaches receive the title of Run Game Coordinator as well. That was not the case with Fraley. We would clearly have a physical offense, but Fraley would be able to deal with the difficulties during the season.
Tee Martin, Ravens QB Coach
Morehouse (2006)
Passing game coordinator;
North Cobb HS (2007)
Passing game coordinator & quarterbacks coach;
North Atlanta HS (2008)
Offensive coordinator & quarterbacks coach;
New Mexico (2009)
Quarterbacks coach;
Kentucky (2010)
Wide receivers coach;
Kentucky (2011)
Passing game coordinator & wide receivers coach;
USC (2012–2013)
Wide receivers coach;
USC (2014–2015)
Passing game coordinator & wide receivers coach;
USC (2016–2018)
Offensive coordinator & wide receivers coach;
Tennessee (2019–2020)
Assistant head coach & wide receivers coach;
Baltimore Ravens (2021–2022)
Wide receivers coach;
Baltimore Ravens (2023–present)
Quarterbacks coach;
Martin was drafted in the fifth round and was a QB for the Steelers, Eagles and Raiders before moving to the CFL with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. This gives him a good look at different schemes as a player. He also has extensive experience in a variety of roles including WRs, QB Coach, PGC and OC at USC. When Mike Macdonald was hired, I was pretty sure he would bring Martin in as his OC.
He was promoted to QB Coach with the Ravens from QB to QB coach for Lamar Jackson under Todd Monken. Jackson and the Ravens credit Martin, as well as Monken, for Jackson’s rise over the last two years.
Kevin Patullo, Eagles Passing Game Coordinator
South Florida (2003–2004)
Graduate assistant;
Arizona (2004–2006)
Graduate assistant;
Kansas City Chiefs (2007–2008)
Offensive assistant & offensive quality control coach;
Buffalo Bills (2010–2011)
Offensive quality control coach;
Buffalo Bills (2012)
Offensive assistant & assistant wide receivers coach;
Tennessee Titans (2014)
Assistant wide receivers coach;
New York Jets (2015–2016)
Quarterbacks coach;
Texas A&M (2017)
Senior offensive analyst;
Indianapolis Colts (2018–2019)
Wide receivers coach;
Indianapolis Colts (2020)
Pass game specialist;
Philadelphia Eagles (2021–2022)
Pass game coordinator;
Philadelphia Eagles (2023–present)
Pass game coordinator/Associate head coach;
Has experience coaching QBs, WRs, and PGCs. Works on a promising offense, and grew up in Philly, receiving the AHC title. The Eagles have had an excellent OL and running game for a long time. Patullo could be a key player in that regard.
Patullo also seems to have a better locker room feel than Nick Sirianni.
Josh McCown, Vikings QB Coach
Carolina Panthers (2023)
Quarterbacks coach;
Minnesota Vikings (2024–present)
Quarterbacks coach;
It’s hard to divide who deserves what credit for Sam Darnold’s renaissance this season between Kevin O’Connell, McCown, and Darnold himself. You can only judge from afar, without the prior knowledge that the teams have. McCown was Darnold’s quarterback coach the year he broke out.
McCown has even been getting offers for HC, even though he’s brand new to the coaching staff. He’s only in his second year as a coach.
On the plus side, he’s been with 13 different teams in his 18 years as a QB. That gives him a vast knowledge of offensive schemes, different cultures. Plus, McCown seems to be an excellent communicator, just watch some of his interviews.
He can make two decisions: take advantage of all the hype this year and try to capitalize on it, or, thinking long-term, decide to return for another year with the Vikings and establish himself on the coaching staff.
Good Options with Caveats
Mike Kafka, Giants OC
Northwestern (2016)
Graduate assistant;
Kansas City Chiefs (2017)
Offensive quality control coach;
Kansas City Chiefs (2018–2019)
Quarterbacks coach;
Kansas City Chiefs (2020–2021)
Quarterbacks coach & passing game coordinator;
New York Giants (2022–2023)
Offensive coordinator;
New York Giants (2024–present)
Assistant head coach & offensive coordinator;
The Giants blocked the Seahawks from interviewing him to be OC. The Giants even added the title of Assistant Head Coach after that. With the Giants choosing to stick with Brian Daboll, Kafka isn’t likely to go anywhere.
His biggest break was with the Chiefs, where he rose from assistant to QB coach to PGC. Growing under Andy Reid’s tutelage is interesting.
Jake Peetz, Seahawks PGC
Santa Barbara City College (2006)
Special teams coordinator, safeties coach & strength & conditioning coordinator;
UCLA (2007)
Defensive assistant;
Jacksonville Jaguars (2012)
Assistant quarterbacks coach;
Alabama (2013)
Offensive analyst;
Washington Redskins (2014)
Offensive quality control coach;
Oakland Raiders (2015)
Senior offensive assistant;
Oakland Raiders (2016)
Assistant quarterbacks coach;
Oakland Raiders (2017)
Quarterbacks coach;
Alabama (2018)
Offensive analyst;
Carolina Panthers (2019)
Running backs coach;
Carolina Panthers (2020)
Quarterbacks coach;
LSU (2021)
Offensive coordinator & quarterbacks coach;
Los Angeles Rams (2022)
Offensive assistant;
Los Angeles Rams (2023)
Pass game specialist;
Seattle Seahawks (2024–present)
Pass game coordinator;
Peetz was a name considered for the OC position last cycle. Seattle offered him the Pass Game Coordinator job and he accepted. The big caveat here is that despite his promise, Macdonald said who would not have any promotions within Seattle’s coaching staff.
Jake Peetz would be the most obvious name for Seattle to try to get. Of course, there is the possibility that MM is just trying to throw him off the scent, or even that Peetz does not want to be OC. His work in different offensive roles and especially as a QB Coach is interesting.
Alternative Options
Brian Fleury, 49ers TE Coach
Maryland (2003–2004)
Intern / graduate assistant;
Sacred Heart (2005)
Secondary coach;
Sacred Heart (2006–2008)
Defensive coordinator / secondary / outside linebackers coach;
Towson (2009–2012)
Special teams coordinator/defensive backs coach;
Buffalo Bills (2013)
Quality control coach;
Cleveland Browns (2014)
Assistant linebackers coach;
Cleveland Browns (2015)
Outside linebackers coach;
San Francisco 49ers (2019)
Defensive quality control coach;
San Francisco 49ers (2020–2021)
Offensive quality control coach;
San Francisco 49ers (2022–present)
Tight ends coach;
Unknown outside the Niners, highly valued within the franchise. He is seen as a trusted running game authority Kyle Shanahan. He knows all aspects of the game. Fleury has been a linebackers coach, defensive backs coach, director of scouting, quality control coach and assistant position coach in his years in the NFL.
He probably won’t get much attention this cycle, but he’s an outsider.
Frank Smith, Dolphins OC
Miami (Ohio) (2004–2005)
Graduate assistant;
Butler (2006)
Offensive line coach;
Butler (2007–2009)
Offensive coordinator & offensive line coach;
New Orleans Saints (2010–2014)
Assistant offensive line coach;
Chicago Bears (2015–2017)
Tight ends coach;
Oakland / Las Vegas Raiders (2018–2020)
Tight ends coach;
Los Angeles Chargers (2021)
Run game coordinator & offensive line coach;
Miami Dolphins (2022–present)
Offensive coordinator;
They brought in Frank Smith as a head coach candidate but did not give him a second interview. Smith was the Chargers’ running game coordinator before joining Mike McDaniel in Miami. He also has a background as a TE and Offensive Line coach. He previously worked for Jon Gruden and Sean Payton, who coached the Broncos to a league-leading run-blocking win rate this year.
Smith has also been able to build good relationships with his players, including Darren Waller highlighting his importance in his career recovery. He doesn’t call the plays in Miami, so he may consider a lateral move to have that possibility.
Bad Options
Thomas Brown, Bears Interim Head Coach/OC *
Georgia (2011)
Strength and conditioning coach;
Chattanooga (2012)
Running backs coach;
Marshall (2013)
Running backs coach;
Wisconsin (2014)
Running backs coach;
Georgia (2015)
Running backs coach;
Miami (FL) (2016–2018)
Offensive coordinator & running backs coach;
South Carolina (2019)
Running backs coach;
Los Angeles Rams (2020)
Running backs coach;
Los Angeles Rams (2021)
Assistant head coach & running backs coach;
Los Angeles Rams (2022)
Assistant head coach & tight ends coach;
Carolina Panthers (2023)
Offensive coordinator;
Chicago Bears (2024)
Passing game coordinator;
Chicago Bears (2024)
Offensive coordinator;
Chicago Bears (2024–present)
Interim head coach;
He was on the Rams’ coaching staff when they won the Super Bowl. This was his biggest highlight. He has a very long resume and has held several different positions. However, his last few years have been pretty bad, epecially with the Bears in 2024. Remember that his offense only scored 3 points against Seattle and his final drive had terrible calls that failed to put the team in position to kick a FG to take the game into overtime.