SEATTLE — In the six months since Mike Macdonald was hired to shepherd the Seattle Seahawks into the post-Pete Carroll era, the players have been learning the new boss' idiosyncrasies and adjusting to his new mindset.
Like, for one, many players have called Macdonald a "nerd" in the lead-up to training camp, which begins Wednesday.
“I’ll take nerd as a compliment," Macdonald said in an exclusive interview with KING 5's Paul Silvi. "I guess that’s kind of endearing."
As preparation for the regular season intensifies, the players have realized Macdonald is a "straight shooter," because he prefers to share his opinions instead of suppressing his ideas.
“I don’t think I’m smart enough to distract you and go one way or the other," Macdonald said. "I just have to tell you what’s on my mind and how I see it but I think players appreciate that. Just tell them the way it is, what you expect, be open to their feedback and understand where they’re coming from and seeing it from all angles. But I think that’s really important to have that communication with your players. You save a lot of time when you cut to the chase.”
The organization has also learned the first-time head coach, the youngest in the National Football League (NFL), is at his best in the morning. He won't be the kind of coach obsessively pouring over tape in his office at 1 a.m.
And if that ever becomes the case, Macdonald believes the Seahawks would be in big trouble.
“Past 9, 9:30 (p.m.) my brain does not work," Macdonald said. "If I’m making decisions at night, look out, it’s not good for the Seahawks. I’m cooking right after a workout in the morning. My mind is firing on all cylinders. That’s when I’m at my best.”
The synergy between the players and a revamped coaching staff, featuring a new head coach and offensive coordinator, began in earnest months ago, according to Macdonald.
Macdonald said the two sides have come a long way in understanding how the other operates.
"We walked in here April 8 and you guys didn't know us and, shoot, we didn't know you but the feeling that we have right now should give us a lot of confidence in how far we've gone the last few months," Macdonald. "It's been fun to learn the guys and see what makes them tick. To their credit, they've responded to everything we've asked them."
And as far as Seahawks fans wanting to learn more about the team's new leader, you don't have to look any further than hiking trails scattered around western Washington for some potential insight.
You might see Macdonald and his wife hiking alongside you.
“We’ll be on a hiking path near you," Macdonald said. "Don’t be afraid to stop us.”