How committed is Mike Macdonald to establishing a stronger running game for the Seahawks? He’s created a new coaching position to make it happen.
The Seahawks are bringing in former Tennessee Titans running backs coach as their new run game specialist, according to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero. Outten, 41, will collaborate with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who emphasizes a run-heavy scheme, and veteran offensive line coach John Benton.
In his first season as head coach in 2024, Macdonald hired 22 assistant coaches, 21 of whom were new to the team, but none were designated as a “run game specialist” or “run game coordinator.” The last time the Seahawks had a run game coordinator was in 2021 when Pete Carroll appointed Andy Dickerson under then-offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.
This move signals Macdonald’s and Kubiak’s commitment to prioritizing the run game for the 2025 season, especially after finishing 28th in the NFL in rushing attempts last season. The focus will be on Kubiak’s outside-zone running scheme, featuring returning lead rusher Kenneth Walker.
“We’re going to have an identity,” Kubiak said this week after arriving from his stint as the Saints’ offensive coordinator. “We want to be smart, tough, and physical. Running the football is critical.”
This aligns with Macdonald’s post-season remarks after the Seahawks ended 2024 with a 10-7 record but missed the playoffs for the second straight year.
Outten and Kubiak previously worked together with the Denver Broncos in 2022, where Outten served as offensive coordinator and Kubiak took over play-calling late in the season. Outten’s NFL experience also includes coaching roles with the Titans, Packers, and Falcons after starting his career at Syracuse and in Texas high school football.
Now, Outten will help Macdonald, Kubiak, and Benton build and implement an offensive strategy centered on an effective ground game. “We’ll start with an outside-zone scheme,” Kubiak said, “but we’ll also incorporate gap schemes, inside zones, and pin-and-pull concepts based on what our players do best. We have a philosophy and style we believe in, but we need to be adaptable to succeed.”