Full Breakdown
Sam Darnold Evaluates New Offensive Coordinator Brian Fleury Ahead of Seahawks Season
6/6/2026, 12:50:01 AM
Transition to Brian Fleury’s Playbook
Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold discussed the arrival of Brian Fleury as the team’s third offensive coordinator in three seasons under head coach Mike Macdonald. Darnold said the transition has been “more of the same,” noting that Fleury’s system retains the West Coast and wide-zone concepts while adding a few “different wrinkles.” He added that the new partnership is already shaping both the run and pass games.
Coaching Shift and Scheme Continuity
Seattle promoted Fleury from his role as the San Francisco 49ers’ tight-ends coach, replacing Klint Kubiak, who served as offensive coordinator in 2023. Both coaches spent the 2023 season on Kyle Shanahan’s staff, a coaching tree rooted in the West Coast offense pioneered by Mike and Gary Kubiak and Mike Shanahan. Although this is the third coordinator change in three years, the franchise has kept core scheme elements to limit disruption for the quarterback.
Principal Personnel
Sam Darnold, the Seahawks’ quarterback, enters his fourth season in a Shanahan-style system after stints in San Francisco, Minnesota and the New York Jets. Brian Fleury, the new offensive coordinator, previously coached tight ends for the 49ers and is noted for a stoic demeanor. Klint Kubiak, the outgoing coordinator, and head coach Mike Macdonald complete the core coaching staff.
Roster Continuity and Coaching Lineage
The Seahawks return ten of eleven offensive starters from their Super Bowl LX win over the New England Patriots. Fleury’s coaching lineage includes Kyle Shanahan, Gary Kubiak and Mike Shanahan, all proponents of West Coast principles. This is the third offensive coordinator hire under Macdonald since 2022.
Darnold’s Assessment
Darnold said the change has been minimal, noting that the offense “has been really good to have that kind of familiarity” for himself and teammates. He praised Fleury’s high standards and his overall command of the system, saying the stoic coach’s approach aligns with previous coordinators and supports seamless play-calling.
Direct Remarks from Darnold
- “He's really stoic, I think that's one thing that really stands out.” — Sam Darnold, quarterback
- “His standard's really high for our group, not only for us but himself as well.” — Sam Darnold, quarterback
- “Fleury’s command over the entire system has been incredible.” — Sam Darnold, quarterback
- “It's a lot of the same stuff.” — Sam Darnold, quarterback
Outlook for the Season
Seattle will debut Fleury’s playbook in the upcoming regular-season opener, with the coaching staff hoping that the “minor tweaks” will translate into sustained offensive production. Darnold indicated that the quarterback-coach relationship will continue to evolve throughout the season, potentially influencing in-game adjustments and long-term strategic planning.
