Seattle (Parliament Politics Magazine) January 19, 2026 – The Seattle Seahawks confront a potential loss of offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, reported as the leading candidate for the Atlanta Falcons’ head coaching vacancy following Matt Ryan’s appointment as president of football operations. Kubiak engineered Seattle’s offence from 18th in scoring and 14th in yards in 2024 to third in points per game and eighth in total yards in 2025, while developing quarterback Sam Darnold into an early MVP contender. This development forms part of the active NFL coaching carousel, with Kubiak’s ties to the Shanahan coaching tree enhancing his appeal in Atlanta alongside talents like running back Bijan Robinson and quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
The Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has risen prominently in the Atlanta Falcons’ head coaching search, according to reports from Bassyonni of El-Balad.com detailing his status as the leading candidate. This prospective move follows former NFL quarterback Matt Ryan’s installation as Atlanta’s president of football operations, marking a significant leadership restructuring for the franchise. Kubiak’s tenure in Seattle produced measurable improvements, elevating the team’s offensive output from middling rankings in 2024 to elite status in 2025, including third place in points per game and eighth in total yards.
Seahawks Offence Records Dramatic Statistical Leap Under Kubiak
Klint Kubiak assumed the role of offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks in the lead-up to the 2025 season, overseeing a unit that achieved substantial gains in key performance metrics. As reported by Bassyonni of El-Balad.com, Seattle climbed from 18th in points per game and 14th in total yards during the 2024 campaign to third in scoring and eighth in yardage in 2025. These advancements reflected enhanced play-calling efficiency, better red-zone execution, and improved third-down conversions throughout the schedule.
The scheme emphasised balanced attacks, integrating zone-running concepts with play-action passes suited to the personnel. Kubiak’s adjustments contributed to sustained scoring drives, even amid late-season challenges such as increased quarterback turnovers. Seattle’s postseason qualification underscored the offence’s reliability in high-pressure situations.
This progression positioned Kubiak among the league’s most effective coordinators entering the 2026 hiring cycle.
Kubiak’s Development of Quarterback Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold’s performance under Klint Kubiak’s coordination marked a highlight of the 2025 Seattle season. Bassyonni of El-Balad.com noted Darnold’s emergence as a strong MVP candidate in the early stages, characterised by precise deep-ball throws and effective decision-making under centre. Kubiak tailored the offence to leverage Darnold’s arm strength and mobility, incorporating bootlegs, designed rollouts, and quick-rhythm passing concepts.
Later in the year, Darnold encountered turnover difficulties, yet the offence adapted through conservative scheming and run-heavy packages. These adjustments maintained productivity, with Seattle sustaining top-tier scoring despite the hiccups. Kubiak’s quarterback coaching extended to film study and practice repetitions, fostering incremental improvements in pocket presence.
The Darnold-Kubiak partnership propelled Seattle into divisional playoff contention.
Confirmation of Kubiak’s Status in Broader Coaching Searches
Klint Kubiak’s appeal extends beyond Atlanta, with his ongoing Seahawks playoff participation influencing interview timelines elsewhere. Ryan Mink of the Baltimore Ravens’ official coverage provided specifics on affected head coaching processes. Ryan Mink said in X post,
“Ravens head coach candidates still in the playoffs, delaying a potential second interview by another week: Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak, Rams DC Chris Shula, Rams PGC Nate Scheelhaase, Broncos DC Vance Joseph, Broncos PGC Davis Webb.”
Ravens head coach candidates still in the playoffs, delaying a potential second interview by another week:
Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak
Rams DC Chris Shula
Rams PGC Nate Scheelhaase
Broncos DC Vance Joseph
Broncos PGC Davis Webb— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) January 19, 2026
This disclosure confirms Kubiak’s consideration for the Ravens’ vacancy alongside other playoff-involved candidates, highlighting league-wide interest. The delay respects active seasons, adhering to NFL protocol for postseason personnel.
Atlanta Falcons’ Recent Leadership Restructuring
Matt Ryan’s appointment as president of football operations precedes the Falcons’ pursuit of Klint Kubiak for head coach. As detailed by Bassyonni of El-Balad.com, Ryan’s transition from playing career to executive role influences Atlanta’s direction toward offensive revitalisation. Ryan’s experience as a two-time Pro Bowler informs roster evaluations and staff selections.
The Falcons simultaneously retained Jeff Ulbrich as defensive coordinator, providing schematic continuity. This structure supports Kubiak’s potential integration, balancing offensive innovation with established defence. Atlanta’s front-office evolution signals proactive offseason planning.
Insider Perspectives on Falcons’ Hiring Intentions
League observers have voiced expectations around Matt Ryan’s influence on the Falcons’ head coaching decision. Chad Forbes offered direct insight into the process. Chad Forbes said in X post,
“Multiple people I’ve spoken with believe Matt Ryan will hire Klint Kubiak as the next Falcons Head Coach. Ties to the Shanahan tree and the perfect offense for Penix. 49ers Josh Williams is seen as the favorite for GM. Waiting for Seahawks season to conclude out of respect.”
Multiple people I’ve spoken with believe Matt Ryan will hire Klint Kubiak as the next Falcons Head Coach. Ties to the Shanahan tree and the perfect offense for Penix. 49ers Josh Williams is seen as the favorite for GM.
Waiting for Seahawks season to conclude out of respect.
— Chad Forbes (@NFLDraftBites) January 15, 2026
Forbes’ report aligns with Kubiak’s Shanahan coaching tree background and suitability for quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The deference to Seattle’s season reflects professional courtesy in hiring protocols.
Falcons’ Roster Assets for Incoming Head Coach
Atlanta possesses foundational strengths appealing to prospective head coaches like Klint Kubiak. Bassyonni of El-Balad.com highlighted running back Bijan Robinson’s explosiveness and the offensive line’s reliability as immediate run-game anchors. These elements support zone-blocking schemes central to Kubiak’s philosophy.
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. requires development following his rookie year, with Kubiak’s track record suggesting rapid elevation potential. The skill-position depth includes receivers capable of stretching defences, complementing play-action opportunities. Atlanta’s cap space facilitates further enhancements via free agency.
Shanahan Coaching Tree Heritage and Adaptability
Klint Kubiak’s lineage within the Shanahan coaching tree forms a core element of his candidacy. As reported by Bassyonni of El-Balad.com, prior roles under Kyle Shanahan and his father Gary Kubiak instilled wide-zone running, motion-heavy passing, and quarterback-centric designs. This heritage has produced head coaching success across multiple franchises.
Kubiak adapted these principles to Seattle’s roster, blending veteran experience with young talent. Atlanta represents an opportunity to scale this approach amid NFC South competition, leveraging familiar schematic language for swift installation.
Seahawks’ Playoff Performance Bolsters Kubiak Profile
Seattle’s postseason results amplified Klint Kubiak’s visibility during the hiring window. Bassyonni of El-Balad.com covered the Seahawks’ divisional round victory over the San Francisco 49ers, where offensive execution proved decisive. Kubiak called plays featuring efficient clock management and opportunistic scoring.
This win advanced Seattle while showcasing Kubiak’s composure in elimination games. Related coverage noted implications for AFC West rivals like the Raiders, underscoring the offence’s disruptive potential. Playoff success differentiates Kubiak among coordinator candidates.
NFL Coaching Carousel’s Interconnected Movements
The league navigates extensive staff changes, with Kubiak’s situation interconnected across vacancies. Bassyonni of El-Balad.com reported on New York Jets’ defensive coordinator evaluations, Cincinnati Bengals coaching critiques by an ex-NFL general manager, and Denver Broncos’ postseason reflections from Sean Payton. These developments illustrate active searches.
Kansas City Chiefs’ interest in Eric Bieniemy and Buffalo Bills’ transitions provide further context from prior coverage. Timelines hinge on playoff conclusions, per Ryan Mink’s Ravens update.
Impact of Kubiak’s Potential Departure on Seattle
Seattle must address a successor to preserve offensive gains if Kubiak departs. Bassyonni of El-Balad.com emphasised the challenge of sustaining third-ranked scoring without Kubiak’s schemes. Internal promotions or external hires represent options, with Darnold’s continuity a priority.
Recent victories, including over the 49ers, offer schematic blueprints for the next coordinator. Seattle’s draft position supports personnel adjustments aligned with new leadership.
Atlanta’s Defensive Continuity Under Ulbrich
The Falcons’ retention of Jeff Ulbrich as defensive coordinator stabilises the staff amid head coaching pursuit. As noted by Bassyonni of El-Balad.com, Ulbrich’s scheme emphasises pressure packages and coverage versatility, ranking competitively in recent seasons. This foundation allows Kubiak to focus on offensive integration.
Ulbrich’s tenure provides roster familiarity, easing overall staff cohesion. Atlanta balances aggression with discipline on defence.
Quarterback Development Priorities in Atlanta
Developing Michael Penix Jr. emerges as a cornerstone for Atlanta’s next head coach. Chad Forbes’ sourced reporting ties Kubiak’s offence directly to Penix’s skill set, emphasising quick releases and deep accuracy. Prioritising quarterback growth aligns with Ryan’s executive vision.
Kubiak’s Darnold elevation demonstrates proven methodology, adaptable to Penix’s mobility and arm talent. Early offseason work accelerates progress.
Historical Precedents for Coordinator-to-Head Coach Transitions
Klint Kubiak follows patterns of successful coordinator promotions. Seattle’s 2024-to-2025 leap mirrors historical turnarounds leading to head coaching roles. Shanahan tree alumni have thrived with similar improvements.
League data underscores Kubiak’s metrics: from 18th to third in scoring represents rare progression. This foundation supports Atlanta’s ambitions.
Seahawks’ Broader Postseason Context
Seattle’s campaign featured consistent offensive output despite late Darnold turnovers. Bassyonni of El-Balad.com detailed divisional success against the 49ers, enhancing Kubiak’s internal standing. Playoff execution validated regular-season rankings.
Ongoing matchups influence final evaluation, per Ryan Mink’s timeline note.
Strategic Offseason Planning for Both Franchises
Atlanta prepares for Kubiak via roster audits and cap management. Seattle identifies replacements amid free agency. Interconnected hires shape 2026 alignments.
Bassyonni of El-Balad.com’s coverage tracks these evolutions alongside global sports developments.
Ongoing Developments and League-Wide Ripples
Hiring processes await playoff resolutions, with Kubiak central. Ryan Mink and Chad Forbes’ updates confirm momentum. Formal announcements follow permissions.
NFL protocol governs transitions, ensuring orderly staff movements.
