This week, I talk with Mike Macdonald, head coach of the Seattle Seahawks and the youngest head coach in the NFL. Mike opens up about his journey from coaching high-schoolers as a college student to leading elite defenses with the Ravens and Wolverines—and now, running one of the most storied franchises in football. We explore how he’s balancing tradition and innovation, what it really means to set the standard inside a world-class organization, and how the Seahawks are training their players mentally as much as physically. This conversation is a look behind the scenes at what it takes to become the kind of leader who earns trust, embraces the grind, and stays true to their values under pressure.. Whether you’re leading a team, building something from the ground up, or just trying to take the next step in your own growth, there’s something here for you. Let’s get to it.
In this episode:
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(00:00) – The youngest head coach in the NFL
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(02:23) – Why Mike Macdonald cracks dad jokes in the NFL
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(04:43) – Mike's transition from player to coach
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(14:42) – Lessons learned under Todd Grantham
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(17:47) – Two coaches, two styles—what Mike really learned from both
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(22:44) – “I almost walked away from coaching”
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(25:41) – How a phone call from the Ravens changed everything
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(34:05) – What Mike learned from both Harbaugh brothers
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(39:55) – Leading under fire: how to stay steady in the storm
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(42:51) – The moment Mike realized he might be head coach material
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(48:29) – Inside Mike’s NFL head coach interview process
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(52:49) – Mike’s 3-pillar philosophy for leading a team
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(54:54) – Rethinking what it means to be “the head coach”
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(58:02) – Setting the standard—and getting everyone to buy in
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(01:01:32) – How to build a culture players actually believe in
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(01:04:07) – The weight of being the one who sets the tone
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(01:08:34) – Mike on mental toughness—for himself and his team
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(01:16:20) – Taking the reins from Pete Carroll
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(01:24:22) – What makes Mike world-class?
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(01:26:08) – Mike’s most beautiful future
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(01:27:39) – Who Mike is becoming
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.
