Good Work with Barrett Brooks Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Mike Macdonald Talks Servant Leadership, Trust, and Team Building
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Oct 16, 2025 Mike Macdonald, the youngest head coach in the NFL, shares his journey from high school coach to leading the Seattle Seahawks. He discusses the importance of servant leadership, emphasizing that coaching is about serving players' growth. Macdonald highlights the balance between tradition and innovation, and how trust is built through humor and a 'loose but focused' culture. He reflects on lessons learned from coaching icons and the significance of mental training, aiming to redefine the Seahawks as the NFL's standard in culture and performance.
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Using Humor To Build Rapport
- Mike Macdonald stole a PA line joke from a colleague and used it repeatedly to build rapport with players.
- He uses consistent lightheartedness to convey confidence and help players relax while staying focused.
Finding Purpose In Early Coaching
- Mike began coaching in college after his high school coach worked nearby and he felt a magnetic pull to help players daily.
- He found meaning when players achieved things they couldn't do before and their trust and energy grew.
Don't Skip The Hard Early Work
- Do the foundational work and don't skip steps; credibility is earned through consistent effort over time.
- Focus on the essential tasks well and let progress unfold rather than chasing shortcuts.