Jim Harbaugh Shares Advice For Seahawks Coach Mike Macdonald

Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald received yet another lesson from his mentor, Jim Harbaugh.

Jim Harbaugh may now be on the same level as former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, as they are now the head coaches of the Los Angeles Chargers and Seattle Seahawks, respectively, but the mentor still has some advice for his former protegee.

At the NFL owner's meetings in Orlando, Florida, Harbaugh offered high praise for Macdonald, who served as his defensive coordinator at Michigan in 2021, while also offering some poignant advice.

Mike Macdonald

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“One thing I’ll say about Mike — he’s himself, and that’s every day,” Harbaugh said, per The Seattle Times. “When he has a great year, like, he’s a great coach, there’s humility there. Some coaches make the mistake of being — you have a great year as a coach, someone gives you coach of the year. That’s great, you are coach of the year. That doesn’t make you coach of the decade. 

“Mike understands that. He understands that every year is a new year and you are going to have to attack it the same way every year. Don’t get a big head, you know? Because that’s a trap. That’s a deep, dark, lonely trap. The same for coaches, the same for players. Yeah, can’t say enough good things about Mike.”

It's a specific piece of advice to be sure, and Harbaugh wove his trademark quirkiness into his words. Nonetheless, it's still important advice to follow.

Macdonald is the youngest head coach in the league at just 36 years old. While he seems to have a good head on his shoulders, again, any advice from a mentor is likely appreciated.

The Seahawks aren't scheduled to play Harbaugh's Chargers until 2026, not counting pre-season as the two teams frequently match up in exhibition games.