Jarran Reed As the Seattle Seahawks prepare for their upcoming game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, the team is filled with anticipation and a sense of curiosity about their performance. This game marks a significant milestone for several members of the coaching staff, particularly offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and defensive coordinator Aden Durde, both of whom are set to make their NFL debut in these roles.
Ryan Grubb, who will be calling plays from the booth for his first regular-season NFL game, shared his thoughts on the experience. “I always get nervous. I want to do great. I play off that,” Grubb admitted. He reflected on his previous experiences as a coordinator, noting that his initial foray into play-calling came after a period away from the role. Grubb recalled his return to calling games, which began with a matchup at the Coliseum between Fresno State and USC. He remembered preparing thoroughly, only to find that once the game began, it felt very familiar and akin to playing a game.
There’s a lot building up to it, but then you just got to do your job,” he said. Grubb has been working with the Seahawks’ offense since March and expressed excitement about seeing how the team’s early-season preparations will translate into performance on the field. “It’s really cool to see the growth where we’re at now,” he noted, eager to see the results of months of hard work and planning.
Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Aden Durde is also stepping into his role with a sense of anticipation. Although he will not be calling plays himself—head coach Mike Macdonald will take on that responsibility—Durde plays a crucial supportive role. Macdonald confirmed earlier this week, “I’m going to be calling the plays on defense. It’s a team effort; I’m just the one hitting the button and saying the words.” Durde, in his role, focuses on supporting Macdonald and ensuring that the defense functions smoothly. “I think of it more as my job to take the weight off him, to support him, and to identify areas where I can be helpful,” Durde explained. His role involves anticipating needs and providing valuable insights, which helps in managing the defense’s performance.
Both Grubb and Durde are aware of the challenges that come with transitioning into these new roles, but they remain focused on the fundamental aspects of the game. Grubb emphasized the importance of understanding how players will react in high-pressure situations. “There’s a difference between preseason games and regular season. Seeing those big moments and anticipating how you get through from point A to point B is crucial,” he said. Grubb’s focus is on ensuring that the team can navigate the tough spots that inevitably arise during the game.
Durde echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the need for solid execution and adherence to fundamentals, especially when facing unfamiliar opponents. “You have to be led by your rules, understand your alignment, and communicate at a high level,” he advised. For Durde, the start of the season is about fine-tuning execution and fundamentals. “Teams evolve over the season. It’s about how we approach it and how we execute,” he added. Both coaches are preparing for the season opener with a mindset geared toward growth and adaptation, understanding that the early games will be a learning experience.
Overall, while Sunday’s game against the Broncos is a significant moment for the Seahawks, particularly for their new coordinators, both Grubb and Durde are focused on the core elements of football. They are keenly aware that despite the new roles and responsibilities, the essence of the game remains the same. As they step into their roles for the regular season, their preparations, experience, and approach will be pivotal in shaping the team’s performance.