The initial coaching staff for the Seattle Seahawks under Mike Macdonald is nearing completion, with Justin Hinds, formerly the Chicago Bears’ assistant defensive line coach, transitioning to the role of main defensive line coach for the Seahawks. This announcement came through his agent, Aston Wilson. Despite the seeming contradiction in the headline, Hinds has not previously coached in Seattle. However, his connection to the Seahawks stems from his past coaching experience with college football’s Wagner Seahawks from 2012 to 2013. During his tenure at Wagner,
he oversaw the defensive line and outside linebackers, contributing to the team’s success in winning the NEC Football Championship and securing a victory in an FCS playoff game. This unique background positions Hinds as one of the few individuals to have coached both the college and professional versions of the ‘Hawks. Notably, like several other assistants under Mike Macdonald, Hinds has primarily built his coaching career in college football, having worked at various institutions before joining the Chicago Bears in 2022. The final piece of the puzzle now rests on the decision regarding Bobby Wagner’s status in free agency, as his potential re-signing could create an interesting connection for Hinds—from coaching the Wagner Seahawks in college to coaching for Wagner’s Seahawks in the NFL.