So how does Macdonald’s resume stack up with Pete Carroll’s through his first eight games as Seattle’s head coach? If the team can’t turn things around this season, should Macdonald remain on the hot seat, or does he deserve more time to see if he can be the team’s next long-term head coach?

Here’s a look at the 2024 season and the roster Macdonald inherited compared to the 2010 season: Carroll remains his starter with the Seahawks.

First 8 matches: 4-4

Last 9 matches: not yet known

Average scores received: 23.8 (13th)

Average scores against: 24.4 (19th)

The team’s record in the previous 3 seasons: 7-10 (2021), 9-8 (2022), 9-8 (2023)

Average age of the staff: 26.3

Average NFL experience of the roster: 3.3 years

Former Pro Bowlers on the roster: 10

(P Michael Dickson, WR Tyler Lockett, WR DK Metcalf, S Julian Love, K Jason Myers, QB Geno Smith, LG Laken Tomlinson, DL Leonard Williams, CB Devon Witherspoon, CB Riq Woolen)

Former All-Pros on the roster: 3

(P Michael Dickson, WR Tyler Lockett, WR DK Metcalf)

First 8 matches: 4-4

Last 8 games (before game 17 was added): 3-5

Average points scored throughout the season: 19.4 (23rd)

Full season average points: 25.4 (25th)

The team’s record in the previous 3 seasons: 10-6 (2007), 4-12 (2008), 5-11 (2009)

Average age of the staff: 27

Average NFL experience of the roster: 3.9 years

Former Pro Bowlers on the roster: 7

(QB Matt Hasselbeck, RB Marshawn Lynch, K Olindo Mare, S Lawyer Milloy, LB Lofa Tatupu, CB Marcus Trufant, RB Leon Washington)

Former All-Pros on the roster: 4

(K Olindo Mare, S Lawyer Milloy, LB Lofa Tatupu, RB Leon Washington)

The roster of Future Pro Bowlers: 9

(S Kam Chancellor, RB Justin Forsett, RB Marshawn Lynch, LT Russell Okung, FB Michael Robinson, WR Golden Tate, S Earl Thomas III, C Max Unger, RB Leon Washington)

All Future Professionals on the Squad: 5

(S Kam Chancellor, RB Marshawn Lynch, S Earl Thomas III, C Max Unger, RB Leon Washington)

One thing needs to be made very clear: Despite all the numbers listed above, Carroll took over the Seahawks during what was arguably a darker period in the franchise’s history. Mike Holmgren led the team to its first Super Bowl in 2005 and left the team in 2008 after posting a 4-12 record; the franchise’s worst season (2-14) since 1992 and still their lowest win total since then.

Jim Mora, the defensive backs coach under Holmgren, took over in 2009 and was given just one season to turn things around. Seattle finished the game 5-11. Carroll brought a completely new philosophy focused on empowering players and their unique personalities. That, combined with his innovative defensive scheme, gave the team two more wins than Mora in Carroll’s first season, and he and general manager John Schneider embarked on some of the best draft classes the franchise has ever seen.

But neither of those players are around anymore, and Carroll and Schneider have become much less effective at drafting top-tier talent in recent years. This resulted in the team finishing 2021 with a losing record for the first time since 2011, Carroll’s second season in Seattle. Two middle seasons of little improvement led to the team leaving Carroll.

Only three players Seattle drafted before 2021 are still with the team, and only have played for the Seahawks: Punter Michael Dickson and wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Sure, Macdonald inherited some talented young players, but it’s impossible to ignore how terrible some of the team’s draft picks were from 2013-21.

The biggest difference between this team and the one Carroll inherited in 2010 is unknown because it hasn’t been determined yet: How many of Seattle’s current players will be All-Pro caliber players? Is the talent on the team right now, or do Macdonald and Schneider need a few good drafts to get the roster where they want it?

After all, Carroll went 4-4 in his first eight games as Seattle’s head coach and was even worse in the back half of the season. The team had a playoff berth in a terrible NFC West and beat the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints in the most shocking game in team history. They missed the playoffs again the following year after finishing 7-9.

Considering the Seahawks have a winning record over the last two seasons, it’s understandable to expect more growth. But stepping back may not happen right away as the team embraces a new culture and scheme (on both sides of the ball) and finds players who fit the bill. Like Macdonald, Carroll defensive coach and still allowed the seventh-most points per game of any team in the NFL in its first season. There will be growing pains.

New head coaches in the NFL are often given the shortest amount of time and are condemned to purgatory as the franchise resets over and over again. Short-term disappointment after a crushing midseason loss is understandable, but before you overreact, remember this: Carroll and the Seahawks were outscored by a combined 74-10 in Weeks 8 and 9 of the 2010 season, falling to 4-4 .

Imagine the anger at that moment. Three seasons later, Carroll was hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. Macdonald may or may not have that in his hands, but it’s too early to know for sure.

Home Disadvantage? Lumen Field No Longer Sweet Home for Seahawks

Bills Quiet Lumen Field in Dominant Win Against Seahawks

Seahawks Learn the True Value of DK Metcalf the Hard Way in 31-10 Bills Loss