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Seahawks' Mike Macdonald describes mental health struggles during first season in Seattle

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald reflected on a turbulent first season with the franchise during an interview with Graham Bensinger. The 39-year-old took over the Seahawks following two years directing the Baltimore Ravens' defense, but he relocated without any Ravens staff members because John Harbaugh denied permission to bring them along.

Compounding the isolation, his wife Stephanie remained behind in Baltimore initially, during which their four-year-old dog Bruce suffered a fatal seizure. Although Stephanie soon shared news of her pregnancy with their first child, the immense pressure and grief left Macdonald struggling to get out of bed, arriving late to team facilities, and consuming excessive alcohol.

Macdonald gradually turned things around through open communication with his wife and sisters, along with physical exercise, dietary adjustments, and phone check-ins with players during walks. Despite enduring what he described as the hardest chapter of his life, Macdonald steered Seattle to a 10-7 mark in 2024 before eventually capturing a Super Bowl championship in February to cap his two-year journey.