RENTON, WA — Ahead of the Seattle Seahawks’ first home playoff game in front of fans in five years and first since 2017, the top two coordinators each spent last weekend interviewing for jobs elsewhere.
Offensive coordinator Clint Kubiak interviewed for head coaching vacancies with the Baltimore Ravens, Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins, while defensive coordinator Aiden Dahde interviewed similarly with the Falcons and Cleveland Browns. But Seahawks coach Mike McDonald wasn’t worried about his assistants being focused on their jobs ahead of Saturday’s game between Seattle and the San Francisco 49ers.
The Seahawks received a bye as the No. 1 seed in the NFC, and Kubiak and Dahde were interviewed on the team’s day off.
“It worked out that they had two days off and we were able to change our focus a little bit,” McDonald said. “Once it’s over, it’s over and we can move on. We were really lucky to get a bye.”
He said last week’s practice consisted primarily of self-scouting and pre-work with potential playoff opponents. Seattle has now shifted its focus to San Francisco, and Sunday’s 23-19 victory ended Philadelphia’s quest for a Super Bowl return.
“Just watching it live, I think it was an incredibly tenacious win,” McDonald said of the 49ers. “I mean, there’s a lot of character on this team. They’re really tough. You know, that’s nothing new for these guys, you know. But this win is really great. It’s a tough place to go and play and get a win.”
Arroyo and Bryant could return
Tight end Elijah Arroyo (knee) and safety Kobe Bryant (knee) are scheduled to practice this week. Arroyo, who missed the final four games of the regular season and was placed on injured reserve, returned to practice last week and could play Saturday.
“Elijah seems to be doing well,” McDonald said. “He could come back for this game.”
Bryant missed the Seahawks’ final two games with a knee injury. Left tackle Charles Cross, who signed a four-year contract extension last week, is expected to return to the starting lineup. Cross missed the final three games with a hamstring injury.