The NFL coaching carousel is spinning rapidly, and the Seattle Seahawks may soon face a significant setback as one of their most impactful assistants draws major attention. According to emerging reports, Klint Kubiak, the offensive coordinator who revitalized the Seahawks' attack in the 2025 season, is widely expected to be hired as the next head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
This potential move, spearheaded by newly appointed Falcons President of Football Operations Matt Ryan, would mark a substantial loss for Seattle. Kubiak’s tenure in Seattle transformed a middling unit into one of the league's most potent offenses, making his departure a critical talking point as the offseason progresses.
The Kubiak Impact in Seattle
The numbers speak volumes about Klint Kubiak's influence on the Seahawks' offense. After finishing the 2024 season ranked 18th in scoring and 14th in total yardage, the unit experienced a dramatic ascent under Kubiak’s direction in 2025. The team finished the campaign ranked third in points per game and eighth in yardage, demonstrating immediate and substantial improvement.
Maximizing Quarterback Potential
Perhaps Kubiak's most impressive feat was his work with quarterback Sam Darnold. Kubiak successfully schemed to maximize Darnold's strengths while mitigating his known weaknesses. For the first half of the season, Darnold operated at an MVP-caliber level, orchestrating an offense that was both explosive and efficient. While turnovers increased in the latter stages of the season, the offense maintained enough production to keep the Seahawks competitive, largely due to Kubiak's adaptable play-calling.
Even as Darnold navigated a slump, the Seahawks remained resilient, propelled by an elite defense. However, the offensive consistency Kubiak instilled ensured the team could consistently generate the necessary scoring drives, even in challenging matchups.
The Falcons Connection: Ryan and Penix
The rumored destination for Kubiak, the Atlanta Falcons, presents an intriguing opportunity built around high-ceiling talent. Matt Ryan, now holding significant organizational power in Atlanta, reportedly sees Kubiak as the ideal leader to usher in a new era. Kubiak’s background, heavily influenced by the Shanahan coaching tree, aligns perfectly with the offensive weapons the Falcons already possess.
Building Around Young Talent
Atlanta boasts one of the NFL’s most physically dominant running backs in Bijan Robinson and a solid foundation along the offensive line. The key to unlocking the Falcons' potential, however, lies in the development of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. If Kubiak can replicate the quarterback development success he achieved in Seattle, the Falcons could rapidly ascend into an NFC contender.
Kubiak’s system is known for creating favorable matchups and leveraging play-action passing, which naturally complements a strong running game like Atlanta’s. The expectation is that Kubiak would immediately implement an offense designed to make Penix Jr.’s transition smooth and productive, potentially accelerating the team's competitive window.
Implications for the Seattle Seahawks
If the reports materialize into an official hiring, the Seahawks will face a difficult challenge in replacing their offensive architect. Losing a coordinator who engineered such a rapid turnaround is always damaging, especially when key personnel decisions are on the horizon.
Seattle will now need to conduct a thorough search for a new offensive mind capable of maintaining the momentum established in 2025. The success of the next offensive coordinator will be inextricably linked to the long-term trajectory of the franchise, particularly as they navigate decisions involving their current quarterback situation.
The timing of this potential departure is also notable. While the team still has high-stakes games remaining, the anticipation of coaching changes underscores the competitive nature of the league, where success often leads rivals to poach top talent before the season concludes. For now, the focus in Seattle remains on the field, but the front office is undoubtedly preparing for the high probability of searching for a new offensive leader in the coming weeks.