Seahawks Poach 49ers Coach With Zero Play-Calling Experience Based On His ‘Shanahan’ System

Seattle initially planned to promote from within, evaluating four candidates: quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko, run game specialist Justin Outten, passing-game coordinator Jake Peetz, and tight ends coach Mack Brown. Macdonald emphasized continuity after the Super Bowl, telling reporters the organization wanted to “create opportunities for our own people,” according to ESPN. After Fleury interviewed, the internal plan shifted completely. Janocko is expected to join Kubiak in Las Vegas as offensive coordinator. The decision stunned the Seahawks’ coaching staff and fans alike.

The Shanahan Tree Connection That Changed Everything

Fleury is “part of the same Shanahan coaching tree as Kubiak.” Seattle’s offense remains rooted in the outside-zone system that led them to the championship. Fleury spent seven years on Kyle Shanahan’s staff in San Francisco, advancing from defensive quality control in 2019 to offensive quality control (2020–21), tight ends coach (2022–), and run game coordinator in 2025. Macdonald saw hiring another Shanahan disciple as a way to keep quarterback Sam Darnold in a familiar system. The missing experience raised immediate scrutiny among analysts.

Zero Play-Calling Experience Creates Risk

Fleury has never held the offensive coordinator title at any level and has no record of calling plays during games. In San Francisco, he executed Shanahan’s vision but never made the split-second decisions that define in-game play-calling. Seahawks Wire wrote, “ Since Fleury is part of the same Shanahan coaching tree as Kubiak, the transition should maintain a level of consistency for quarterback Sam Darnold. ” Pressure will test whether system fluency can replace live play-calling experience in Seattle.

A Division Rival Loses a Key Assistant

Fleury’s departure is “a notable setback” for San Francisco. The 49ers must replace both tight ends coach and run game coordinator responsibilities that Fleury handled alone. Yahoo’s Touchdown Wire described the move as “shocking,” noting Seattle took a coach nurtured for more than five years as a potential future leader. Fleury will relocate north to Washington state while remaining in the Pacific Time Zone. After dismantling the 49ers 41–6 in the NFC Divisional Round, Seattle’s Super Bowl victory now carries a fresh rivalry subplot.

The 49ers’ Run Game Under Fleury

Despite his run game coordinator title, Fleury’s 2025 performance drew criticism. Niners Nation reported on February 15 that San Francisco’s rushing attack ranked near the bottom of the league in yards per carry, calling the scheme “vanilla and ineffective.” Christian McCaffrey remained the focal point, yet metrics did not indicate dominance. Seattle is betting on Fleury’s knowledge of the system and coaching relationships rather than prior statistics. The gamble rests on translating tight ends and run-game expertise into live play-calling. Skill-position players now carry extra weight in execution.

Impact on Sam Darnold and the Offense

Quarterback Sam Darnold, who won Super Bowl LX with zero turnovers across three postseason games, will work under Fleury, who coached him briefly in San Francisco in 2023. Running back Kenneth Walker III, with 135 rushing yards and 26 receiving yards in the Super Bowl, enters unrestricted free agency with soaring market value. Fleury’s expertise in tight ends and run-game design aligns with Seattle’s strengths, benefiting AJ Barner and Elijah Arroyo. Maintaining offensive continuity is critical, but every play now tests Fleury’s ability to manage in-game adjustments and protect the championship offense.

Mike Macdonald’s Defensive Foundation Provides Security

Head coach Mike Macdonald became the first coach in NFL history to win a Super Bowl while calling defensive plays. Seattle allowed 17.2 points per game in 2025, ranking first, and generated a 52.8% pressure rate with six sacks in Super Bowl LX. Macdonald’s defensive command gives Fleury room to grow as a play-caller. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on February 14, 2026 that Fleury is expected to be hired as offensive coordinator. The defense provides a buffer for mistakes, but only to a limited extent.

The Hire Signals a Coaching Market Shift

Fleury’s promotion signals a change in evaluating offensive coordinators: extensive time in an elite system can outweigh lack of live play-calling experience. The Seattle Times noted that Seattle reinforced its commitment to the outside-zone run and Shanahan-style play-action. Appointing an assistant without prior in-game play-calling for a defending champion elevates the market value of Shanahan-tree coaches across the league. ESPN wrote on February 14, 2026, “Instead, they pluck from a division rival by hiring Fleury,” framing the decision as deliberate and calculated. Other teams now monitor the outcome closely.

The Verdict: A Calculated High-Stakes Gamble

Seattle prioritizes offensive continuity over traditional coordinator credentials. Fleury’s seven years in the Shanahan system, combined with tight ends and run-game expertise, are expected to translate into play-calling success. The Associated Press reported on February 15 that the deal is “still being worked on.” Success keeps Darnold in a familiar system and strengthens skill-position performance. Failure in red-zone execution or adjustments could squander the championship window despite elite defense. The 2026 season will reveal if mastery of system concepts can replace live play-calling experience under playoff pressure.

Sources:
Seahawks expected to hire 49ers’ Brian Fleury as OC. ESPN, February, 14 2026.
​Seahawks hire 49ers’ Brian Fleury as offensive coordinator. The Seattle Times, February, 15 2026.
​Seahawks poach 49ers coach to fill offensive coordinator job. Niners Wire (USA TODAY), February, 15 2026.
​Seahawks moves: 49ers TE coach Brian Fleury new offensive coordinator. Seahawks Wire (USA TODAY), February, 15 2026.
​Seahawks defeat Patriots 29–13 to win Super Bowl LX. Flashscore, February, 08 2026.