SANTA CLARA, Calif. — We’ve heard the story of offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak leaving Seattle to take the Raiders’ head coach job and we’ve heard the talk about Sam Darnold and his redemptive story—battling rejection, doubts, and injury.
Macdonald spoke with the media and reminded us that it’s not just dreams being realized this week. It’s specific visions and pieces of the puzzle that leadership saw as leading to success.
“Our role in the whole thing is to be supportive, you know, believe in them,” Macdonald said. “There’s a lot of things that we saw in Sam that we loved and he’s lived up to those things and then some. But as a coach, you know, we have visions for our players, and it’s about fulfilling that vision for Sam and who he can become.”
Macdonald also emphasized the resilience that has defined Darnold’s season — and career.
“There’s going to be times throughout the year that you fall short and you kind of get back up and dust yourself off and keep plugging away,” Macdonald said. “And Sam’s been that steadying force. He’s a resilient dude, man — competitor, winner. It’s been fun to be alongside him throughout the whole year.”
As the Seahawks continue their week in California, the focus is beginning to shift from storylines to preparation. Practices, meetings and film sessions are all about finding rhythm and locking in before game day arrives.