Seahawks Poach Brian Fleury from 49ers to Lead Offense
Seattle, WA – In a significant move reshaping their offensive leadership, the Seattle Seahawks have officially hired Brian Fleury as their new Offensive Coordinator. Fleury, who spent the last seven seasons with NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers, is tasked with maintaining and building upon the Seahawks' recent offensive surge.
A Familiar Face in a New Role
The announcement, confirmed by NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo on Sunday, Feb 15, 2026, marks a strategic acquisition for the Seahawks. Fleury's extensive tenure with the 49ers, culminating in his role as Tight Ends Coach and Run Game Coordinator in 2025, provides him with intimate knowledge of the division's competitive landscape. He replaces Klint Kubiak, who departed to take the head coaching position with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Fleury's Journey to Seattle
Fleury's coaching path is a testament to his dedication and growth within the league. He began his journey with the 49ers in 2019 as a defensive quality control coach before transitioning to the offensive side in the same capacity from 2020-21. His progression to Tight Ends Coach from 2022-24, and subsequently adding the Run Game Coordinator title in 2025, highlights his developing offensive acumen. Prior to his time in San Francisco, Fleury, a former college quarterback, honed his analytical skills with the Miami Dolphins as a football research analyst (2016) and director of football research (2017-18). His early coaching experience also includes stints with the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills.
Impact on Seattle's Offense
The hiring of Fleury is particularly interesting given the Seahawks' recent offensive output and the talent on their roster. His expertise with tight ends could prove invaluable for players like Elijah Arroyo. A second-round pick, Arroyo showed flashes of potential as a rookie, contributing sparingly but demonstrating promise with 15 receptions for 179 yards and a touchdown. Furthermore, AJ Barner, who emerged as a key contributor with 52 receptions for 519 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2025, stands to benefit significantly from Fleury's tutelage.
Strengthening the Run Game
With the Seahawks' impressive playoff run fueled by a potent running game, Fleury's background as a run game coordinator is a crucial asset. The team faces a dynamic situation in the backfield. Zach Charbonnet is looking to rebound from a torn ACL, while Kenneth Walker III, a standout performer with 376 rushing yards and five touchdowns in the postseason, is a pending free agent. Fleury's ability to orchestrate a consistent and effective ground attack will be paramount to the Seahawks' continued success, especially as they aim to defend their Super Bowl title.
Sustaining Offensive Momentum
Head Coach Mike Macdonald expressed his confidence in Fleury's ability to carry over the team's offensive success. The Seahawks finished the 2025 season third in scoring, their highest ranking in two decades, and quarterback Sam Darnold silenced doubters by leading the team to a Lombardi Trophy. While Macdonald's defensive prowess provides a strong foundation, the offensive unit's ability to maintain its efficiency under new leadership will be critical. The transition is expected to be smoother with a strong offensive coordinator at the helm, ensuring the team remains a formidable force in the league.
Rivalry Dynamics and Future Outlook
The move also adds an intriguing layer to the NFC West rivalry. Poaching a key offensive mind from the 49ers, a team that has consistently been a Super Bowl contender, signals the Seahawks' aggressive approach to building a championship-caliber team. Fleury's insights into the 49ers' offensive schemes and personnel will undoubtedly be an advantage for Seattle. As the 2026 NFL offseason unfolds, this hiring is a significant development, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season for the Seahawks faithful.
