Mon Jan 19 14:40:00 UTC 2026: Headline: Falcons Eye Seahawks’ Kubiak for Head Coach, Poaching Threatens Seattle’s Offensive Momentum

The Story:
The Seattle Seahawks are facing a potential setback as the Atlanta Falcons, led by newly-appointed president of football operations Matt Ryan, are reportedly targeting Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak for their head coach position. The potential move poses a significant threat to the Seahawks’ offensive performance, which has seen remarkable improvement under Kubiak’s leadership. Kubiak’s success in maximizing quarterback Sam Darnold’s potential has made him a sought-after candidate.

Key Points:

  • Matt Ryan, the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback and now president of football operations, is expected to hire Klint Kubiak as the Falcons’ next head coach.
  • Kubiak significantly improved the Seahawks’ offense, taking them from 18th in scoring and 14th in yardage in 2024 to third in points per game and eighth in yards in 2025.
  • Kubiak’s work with quarterback Sam Darnold helped Darnold become an MVP candidate in the first half of the season.
  • The Falcons have promising offensive assets, including running back Bijan Robinson and quarterback Michael Penix Jr., making the head coach position attractive.
  • Josh Williams from the 49ers is seen as the favorite for GM.

Critical Analysis:
The timing of this potential hiring is crucial. The article mentions that they are “Waiting for Seahawks season to conclude out of respect” which signifies that the Falcons had intentions of hiring Kubiak long before this article was published. Further, based on a previous article on January 19, 2026, it was reported that “Seahawks coordinators get endorsements from players for coaching jobs.” This demonstrates Kubiak’s value in the organization and foreshadows the current event of him being hired to another team.

Key Takeaways:

  • Successful NFL teams face constant challenges in retaining key personnel, both on the field and in the coaching staff.
  • Offensive coordinators who demonstrate the ability to improve quarterback performance are highly valued as head coach candidates.
  • The Atlanta Falcons are actively seeking to revamp their coaching staff and improve their offensive capabilities.
  • The “Shanahan tree” continues to influence NFL coaching hires, with teams seeking coaches who share similar offensive philosophies.
  • The Seahawks face the challenge of maintaining their offensive momentum if Kubiak departs.

Impact Analysis:

The loss of Klint Kubiak could have a significant impact on the Seahawks’ offensive performance in the 2026 season and beyond. His ability to maximize Sam Darnold’s strengths and develop a successful offensive scheme was crucial to the team’s success in 2025. The Seahawks will need to find a capable replacement to maintain their offensive competitiveness.

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