Mike Macdonald, Dan Quinn’s Salaries Revealed Ahead of Sunday Night Football Clash
In the upcoming Sunday Night Football match, the Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks face off, with both teams led by second-year head coaches. Mike Macdonald and Dan Quinn are looking to solidify their positions with impressive performances this season. Notably, both coaches arrived at their roles after a significant search for leadership.
Coaching Changes and Leadership Impact
The Seahawks and Commanders were among eight teams searching for head coaches following the departure of veteran coach Pete Carroll from Seattle. Ultimately, the Seahawks hired Mike Macdonald, previously the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. His reputation as a defensive strategist has been noteworthy.
Meanwhile, the Commanders selected Dan Quinn, who previously coached the Atlanta Falcons. With rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels at the helm, Quinn aims to revitalize the franchise.
The Hiring Process
Both teams were late in making their coaching appointments. They initially pursued Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, who received lucrative offers from both franchises. However, Johnson chose to remain with the Lions, leaving Seattle and Washington to move forward with their respective choices.
2024 Season Performance
The 2024 season has yielded impressive results for both teams. The Commanders defied expectations, reaching the NFC Championship game, where they suffered a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Jayden Daniels distinguished himself by winning the Rookie of the Year award, showcasing his skill and potential as a franchise quarterback.
The Seahawks, initially predicted to struggle, won ten games under Macdonald’s leadership and narrowly missed the NFC West title. After making bold moves in the offseason, including trading Geno Smith and DK Metcalf, the team acquired Sam Darnold. Darnold is currently playing at an MVP-caliber level, significantly contributing to the Seahawks’ success with a record of 5-2.
Coaching Salaries
As both teams find their footing, the salaries of head coaches have also come into focus. Here is a list of the top NFL head coach salaries:
| Rank | Coach | Team | Salary (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andy Reid | Kansas City Chiefs | $20m |
| 2 | Sean Payton | Denver Broncos | $18m |
| 3 | Mike Tomlin | Pittsburgh Steelers | $16m |
| 3 | Jim Harbaugh | Los Angeles Chargers | $16m |
| 5 | Sean McVay | Los Angeles Rams | $16m |
| 6 | Kyle Shanahan | San Francisco 49ers | $15m |
| 7 | Ben Johnson | Chicago Bears | $13m |
| 7 | Kevin O’Connell | Minnesota Vikings | $13m |
| 9 | John Harbaugh | Baltimore Ravens | $12m |
| 10 | Liam Coen | Jacksonville Jaguars | $12m |
| 11 | Dan Campbell | Detroit Lions | $11m |
| 11 | Sean McDermott | Buffalo Bills | $11m |
| 13 | Mike Macdonald | Seattle Seahawks | $9m |
| 14 | Dan Quinn | Washington Commanders | $8.5m |
| 15 | Demeco Ryans | Houston Texans | $8m |
For the 2024 season, both Macdonald and Quinn have shown they can lead competitive teams. Their efforts have positioned their franchises as serious playoff contenders. In contrast, Ben Johnson’s impact on the Bears remains to be seen as they navigate their own challenges this season.
