Mike Macdonald’s Successful Coaching Methods: A Case Study with Seahawks Edge Rusher Boye Mafe

In the 2023 season, during a Week Nine game between the Ravens and Seahawks, Mike Macdonald made a strong impression on Boye Mafe. The Ravens ended up defeating the Seahawks 37-3, leaving Mafe puzzled by how their defense was able to shut down their offense so effectively.

Months before becoming Mafe’s new head coach, Macdonald had already left an indelible mark on the Seahawks edge rusher. On the Green Light with Chris Long podcast, Mafe expressed his disbelief at the outcome of the game and his curiosity about how Macdonald was able to create such a successful unit. Since then, Mafe has been gaining a deeper understanding of his coaching methods and how he can maximize players’ potential on the field.

Mafe has seen firsthand how Macdonald’s expertise in Xs and Os and his strategic approach to utilizing players have contributed to his success as a coach. With Macdonald’s guidance, Mafe was able to increase his sack count from three as a rookie to nine sacks last season. Now, with Macdonald’s insights and coaching, Mafe has the potential to further improve his performance in the upcoming 2024 season.