The confetti has long been swept from the field. The championship banners have been hung. The rings have been distributed. For the Seattle Seahawks, the 2025 season ended with the ultimate prize -- a Super Bowl victory that will forever be etched in franchise history. But as the Seahawks return to the practice field for Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in late May 2026, head coach Mike Macdonald is making one thing crystal clear: the past is the past.
During a media session at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center, Macdonald delivered a message that will likely define the team's entire offseason approach. Rather than "running it back" -- a phrase that implies coasting on past success -- Macdonald is pushing a different philosophy.
"We want to run it forward," Macdonald told reporters. "You don't get to defend something by standing still. The game changes. The league changes. Every team we face is trying to figure out how to beat us. If we just try to 'run it back,' we'll get left behind."
It's a subtle but significant shift in language from the defending champions. Macdonald's words carry the weight of a head coach who understands the unique challenges that come with a target on your back. The Seahawks are no longer the hunter. They are the hunted.
Avoiding the Complacency Trap
The NFL is littered with examples of teams that won a Super Bowl and failed to return to the mountaintop. The 2018 Philadelphia Eagles, the 2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and most recently the 2023 Kansas City Chiefs all experienced the hangover of a championship season -- though the Chiefs broke through again in 2024. The pattern is well documented: teams that win it all often lose key players to free agency, face easier schedules fueled by inflated expectations, and struggle to recapture the hunger that drove them to the title.
Macdonald seems determined to avoid that fate. His "run it forward" mantra is more than a catchy slogan; it's a fundamental approach to roster management, practice habits, and team culture. Instead of treating this season as a victory lap, the Seahawks are approaching it as the start of a new journey.
"When you sit at the top, the only place you can go is down, or you can push forward and climb somewhere new," Macdonald said. "We're focused on what's ahead of us, not behind us."
The head coach, entering his third season at the helm, has seen his fair share of roster turnover. General manager John Schneider -- who remains at the helm of personnel decisions -- has kept the core intact while also adding fresh faces that reflect Macdonald's defensive philosophy.
A Roster Built for Forward Momentum
The Seahawks' current roster, as listed in official team records, shows a blend of familiar champions and new contributors. At quarterback, Seattle enters 2026 with Sam Darnold (#14) at the helm, alongside Drew Lock (#2) and second-year Jalen Milroe (#6). Darnold, who took over the starting role during the championship run, brings a steady hand and a veteran presence.
In the backfield, Zach Charbonnet (#26) leads a deep group of running backs that includes George Holani (#36), Kenny McIntosh (#25), and several intriguing younger players. The receiving corps remains one of the league's most dangerous, headlined by Cooper Kupp (#10), Rashid Shaheed (#22), and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (#11). Veteran Jake Bobo (#19) provides reliable depth, while names like Tory Horton (#15) and Velus Jones Jr. (#32) offer speed and versatility.
On the defensive side, Macdonald's imprint is unmistakable. The defensive line features DeMarcus Lawrence (#0), Leonard Williams (#99), Jarran Reed (#90), and Byron Murphy II (#91) -- a formidable front that can generate pressure without blitzing. The linebacker corps is equally strong, with Ernest Jones IV (#13), Tyrice Knight (#48), and Uchenna Nwosu (#7) leading the way.
The secondary is anchored by Devon Witherspoon (#21) at cornerback and Julian Love (#20) at safety, with veteran D'Anthony Bell (#23) and second-year Nick Emmanwori (#3) providing depth.
It's a roster built to win now, but Macdonald is careful not to let his players rest on their laurels.
"Every guy in that locker room has a new challenge this year," Macdonald said. "Whether you were here for the Super Bowl or you're joining us for the first time, you have to prove yourself. Nobody gets a free pass."
The 'Run It Forward' Philosophy in Practice
So what does "run it forward" actually look like on the field? Based on Macdonald's comments during OTAs, it starts with effort and attention to detail.
"We're not running the same plays we ran last year just because they worked," the head coach explained. "We're installing new concepts, new protections, new coverages. Offensively, defensively, special teams -- everything is being evaluated with fresh eyes."
That's music to the ears of offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, who now has a full offseason to tailor his system around Darnold's strengths. Defensive coordinator Aden Durde, meanwhile, is tasked with maintaining the aggressive, adaptable scheme that made Seattle's defense one of the league's best in 2025.
Special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh also has work to do, with kicker Jason Myers (#5) and punter Michael Dickson (#4) returning as elite specialists.
Macdonald's philosophy extends beyond scheme. It's about mindset. He wants his players to approach every practice rep, every film session, and every meeting with a sense of urgency.
"We haven't earned anything for 2026," Macdonald said. "What we did last year is great. It's part of our history. But it doesn't win us a single game this season. You have to earn it all over again."
The Challenge of Sustaining Greatness
The Seahawks face a daunting road ahead. As defending champions, they'll draw every opponent's best shot. The schedule will feature prime-time games, tough road trips, and a target that only grows larger with each win.
But Macdonald seems unfazed. His "run it forward" mentality is designed to keep the pressure internal rather than external. Instead of worrying about what others think, the Seahawks are focused on their own improvement.
"You can't control the noise," Macdonald said. "You can only control how you prepare. If we show up every day with the intent to get better, the results will take care of themselves."
That message is already resonating with players. Veterans who could have coasted after winning a ring are instead pushing harder. Younger players who watched from the sidelines are hungry to prove they belong. The energy at OTAs is palpable.
A Message for the Fans
For Seahawks fans still basking in the glow of the Super Bowl victory, Macdonald's words are both reassuring and motivating. The head coach isn't satisfied. He isn't content. He's looking ahead, and he expects everyone in the organization to do the same.
"We have a great fan base. They deserve a team that competes every single week," Macdonald said. "That's what we're going to give them. We're going to run it forward, together."
As the 2026 season approaches, the Seahawks have made their intentions clear. They aren't defending a title. They're pursuing another one. And with Mike Macdonald at the helm, they're not looking back.