Analysis: What Would Re-Signing Ken Walker III Look Like For Seahawks?
The Super Bowl MVP trophy is freshly etched with Ken Walker III’s name after his heroics in Super Bowl LX. His 135 rushing yards against the Patriots earned him the first Super Bowl MVP for a running back since Terrell Davis in 1998.
Now, he is set to be a free agent. He certainly enters the market on the highest of high notes, rushing for a whopping 313 yards in three playoff games, including three rushing touchdowns in that blowout win over the 49ers in the Divisional Round. He amassed 771 scrimmage yards, averaged 5.2 yards per carry, and scored five touchdowns across Seattle's final six games overall.
Needless to say, Walker has some negotiating leverage and the Seahawks have plenty of motivation to bring him back.
Gonzaga Baseball Drops Three of Four in Season Opening Series to Hawai’i
The first games of a baseball season bring anticipation and excitement, but after Gonzaga baseball (1-3) lost three of four games to Hawai’i to open the 2025-26 campaign, the feeling that sets in is frustration.
Even with the Bulldogs’ offense falling dormant for a lot of the set while posting inopportune defense more than they’d like, there was still a chance to flip the result of their time in Mānoa, with two of the games going to extra innings before having a one-run lead entering the ninth of the final contest. Pitching was the highlight of the weekend for the Zags, but the unit dropped the ball late on Monday with a chance to escape the Aloha State with a series split, putting a damper on mostly heroic efforts from the staff to begin the season.
Analysis: Seahawks Continue Chasing Edges Hiring Brian Fleury as New Offensive Coordinator
Despite hinting earlier in the week that the Seattle Seahawks desired continuity as they began their search for a new offensive coordinator to replace Klint Kubiak in earnest, Mike Macdonald decided to quickly pivot in a different direction entirely.
After interviewing Andrew Janocko, Justin Outten, Jake Peetz, and Mack Brown, who each served key roles on Macdonald’s staff during a historic 2025 season that culminated with a Super Bowl LX victory, Seattle opted against promoting any of those four coaches to succeed Kubiak. Instead, the organization dipped into Kyle Shanahan’s coaching tree in San Francisco once again by hiring Brian Fleury, a long-time tight ends coach for the 49ers who had been on the team’s radar dating back to last year’s coordinator search.
For fans hoping the Seahawks would replace Kubiak with another veteran assistant with prior play calling experience in the NFL, Fleury’s hiring likely comes as a disappointment. Though he previously served as a defensive coordinator at FCS program Sacred Heart at the college level, he has never held a coordinator position on either side of the football in the league, and when he sends in a play call to Sam Darnold next fall, it will be the first time he has done so at any level.
Kraken Cannot Afford to Squander City’s Momentum Out of Olympics Break
Seattle has some serious momentum right now. Not just the football team, that recently won its second ever Super Bowl title, but the entire city. It’s alive. It’s oozing with team spirit. Just flip on highlights of the parade. Or the Mariners’ playoff run last October. It’s hard to find a better time in history to be a Seattle sports fan. Heck, there is even more chatter about (gasp), the Sonics finally returning.
My question to the Kraken is: are you complacent in being spectators with this momentum? Or are you willing to do what it takes to take advantage of that momentum and turn it into tangible success for the city’s NHL team?
Sounders Transfer Reed Baker-Whiting to Nashville for $800,000
The Seattle Sounders handled business in Renton against USL side Louisville City FC on Sunday. But while Osaze De Rosario put up his second straight preseason friendly brace, general manager Craig Waibel and company moved on from another young player in the program.
Niko Moreno of Sounder at Heart first reported the transfer of 20-year-old defender Reed Baker-Whiting to fellow MLS side Nashville S.C. for $800,000, later confirmed by multiple reports. The move puts an end to speculation of where the uber-talented player would find minutes, as he notched just 544 in 2025, primarily in the backline.
He heads to a contending Nashville team needing more creators and will likely get a chance to play a more attacking role as the former Defiance prospect, who once drew European attention, gets a fresh start.
Mariners Add Josh Simpson as Southpaw Groundballer Depth, Hope Homer Stays Behind
For all their strengths, the 2025 Seattle Mariners had little in the way of lefties on the mound. There was Gabe Speier … and that was about it for the top line, given that a deadline trade for Caleb Ferguson did little but wash out. Though Speier did well early on in the ALDS, the Tigers (and later, Blue Jays) got to see him time and time again, allowing them to adjust to his style on the mound.
The M’s have already addressed this issue at the top level, bringing in Jose A. Ferrer from the Washington Nationals, but more depth is never a bad thing. Robinson Ortiz, another winter acquisition, has zero MLB experience despite some clear potential upside. Mariners brass, therefore, brought in southpaw Josh Simpson from the Marlins in exchange for cash considerations.
Simpson is clearly a reclamation project for the Mariners, coming off a 7.34 ERA, 5.35 FIP, and 1.826 WHIP in 31 appearances in his rookie season last year. His fastballs are below average, but he does have good movement on his sweeper and curveball, with his curve mostly being used against righties and the sweeper against lefties. Control was a big issue for Simpson in 2025, with a 14.6% walk rate and 92 Location+ according to FanGraphs (where 100 is league average), but the real killer was the home run ball.
Huskies Men’s Basketball Snaps 3-Game Skid vs. Minnesota
The Washington Huskies men’s basketball team finally got back on track, snapping a three-game skid with a dominant 69-57 win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday, Feb. 14.
It was the Huskies’ hot shooting (63% FG) that fueled the victory, but their defense was much improved from the embarrassing loss to a flailing Penn State team just three days earlier.
‘Took a Village’: Gonzaga Beats Santa Clara 94-86 to Reclaim First Place in WCC
Things haven’t been as smooth offensively for the Gonzaga Bulldogs (25-2, 13-1) since Braden Huff went down with a knee injury a month ago. The operation has gone stagnant more frequently, which has led to declining defensive play, fewer of the team’s three-point attempts have been falling, and outside of the Zags’ leading scorer, Graham Ike, there has been a lack of consistent production from everyone else. The overall drop-off has led to much tighter wins, not including a devastating loss to Portland last Thursday.
But in GU’s biggest game of the season on the road against Santa Clara (22-6, 13-2), several members of the supporting cast stepped up to the challenge to overcome the Broncos 94-86, snapping their nine-game winning streak and handing them their first home loss of the season to reclaim first place in the WCC.
The Montlake Report: Breaking Down Huskies' 2026 Combine Invites, NFL Potential
Coming off a solid second season under coach Jedd Fisch, the Washington Huskies will be well-represented at the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Aaron Coe dives into Washington's latest crop of invites who will participate in the combine, which ones have the best chance for success at the next level, and which non-combine invites could surprise and get a shot in the NFL.
Analysis: Examining Seahawks External Options to Replace Klint Kubiak
Capturing the Lombardi Trophy for only the second time in franchise history in Sunday’s 29-13 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, the Seattle Seahawks understandably haven’t finished celebrating a historic milestone for the franchise, with the much-anticipated parade in downtown coming on Wednesday.
But the NFL never stops and after making his rounds at various stops such as Jimmy Kimmel Live, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald will have to shift his focus quickly towards the upcoming season with the rest of the league already deep into offseason mode, starting with a major vacancy to fill on his coaching staff. After Sunday’s victory, as expected, offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak accepted the Raiders’ head coaching job, leaving Seattle on the hunt for a third play caller in as many offseasons.
Top 12 Moments From Seahawks’ Super Bowl-Winning 2025 Season
The Seattle Seahawks are Super Bowl LX champions! Yes, keep saying that to yourself. Anytime you are feeling down, sad, anxious, or just plain bored, look at that photo of Mike Macdonald and Sam Darnold staring into the reflection of the Lombardi Trophy and feel all your troubles melt away.
As is the nature of the NFL, it rolls on like a fierce locomotive, not caring whether or not you want to pause a moment to smell the roses (or the yellow Gatorade). Free agency is less than a month away. The NFL Combine is even sooner. The NFL Draft is just over two months away.
One last time, let’s look back, instead of forward. These are 12 top moments of the 2025 season, that happened before the Seahawks lifted the Lombardi Trophy in Santa Clara.
Kraken the Ice: Who Should Seattle Target at Looming NHL Trade Deadline?
In the midst of a winter break for the 2026 Olympics, the Kraken may be doing extensive work behind the scenes trying to find upgrades to aid their playoff push once they return to action later this month.
Emerald City Spectrum writer Nick Lee shares his thoughts on several players who could make sense for Seattle to target before the upcoming deadline, including a former No. 1 overall pick to add star power to the roster for the second half, and recaps how several Kraken players have fared so far in Olympic competition.
Analysis: Breaking Down Washington State’s 2026 Football Schedule
Washington State has officially released its 2026 football schedule, marking the first season of the rebranded Pac-12 era with seven conference opponents. In year one under head coach Kirby Moore, the Cougars will face a challenging and intriguing slate filled with the Apple Cup, Power Four opponents, and newly-minted conference matchups.
Who will the Cougs play and which games stand out as their toughest draws entering the Moore era? Starting with their biggest state rivals, there won’t be an easing in period for Wazzu.
Report: Seahawks Expected to Hire Pair of Former Ravens Assistants to Coaching Staff
Transitioning from celebrating a Super Bowl LX victory to all-out offseason mode, Mike Macdonald and the Seattle Seahawks appear to be off to a running start building their coaching staff for the 2026 season with a few old connections coming on board.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN and long-time Cowboys reporter Clarence Hill Jr., the Seahawks are expected to hire former Ravens assistant quarterback coach Daniel Stern and defensive coordinator Zachary Orr, reuniting both coaches with Macdonald from their days previously together in Baltimore.
Analysis: Which Seahawks’ Future/Reserve Signings Could Break Out in 2026?
Ushering in a new offseason on the heels of their Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots, the Seattle Seahawks agreed to terms with 15 practice squad players on future/reserve deals, ensuring they would be on the 90-man roster once the new league year opens on March 11.
While these moves may not seem significant with the majority of the players signed by Seattle on Thursday offering minimal NFL regular season experience. But just this past season, third year safety Ty Okada went from being a future/reserve signing in January to emerging as a key starter with starters Julian Love and Coby Bryant battling injuries, recording 65 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and five pass breakups while starting a total of 11 games in coach Mike Macdonald’s secondary.
Looking at Seattle’s latest crop of future/reserve signings, which players have the best shot to become the 2026 version of Okada as an unexpected breakout player for the Seahawks?
Gonzaga WBB Takes Down San Diego 66-56, Wins Fifth Straight Game
For not being a particularly stellar defensive team, Gonzaga women’s basketball (19-7, 11-2) is sure in a groove with its back to the basket. After surrendering only 37 and 44 points, respectively, in their previous two games, the Bulldogs captured their fifth straight win by a score of 66-56 over the San Diego Toreros (9-18, 3-11), continuing a run of strong performances defensively.
GU head coach Lisa Fortier has found a formula with her deep rotations, as even if all 11 or 12 players she is checking in aren’t getting substantial minutes, the starters and the first couple off the bench can remain fresh over the course of games. Roles are setting in for each Bulldog to contribute situationally, and it might be the best way to get the most out of this group on the defensive end.
The Montlake Report: R.I.P. to Huskies' NCAA Hopes With Ugly Home Loss to Penn State
Continuing to slide down the Big Ten standings and disappoint after entering the season with high expectations, the Washington Huskies suffered a dreadful home loss to the lowly Penn State Nittany Lions on Wednesday, all but destroying any slim hopes of competing for an NCAA Tournament spot.
Emerald City Spectrum reporter Aaron Coe examines UW's latest deflating defeat, discusses how much blame should fall on coach Danny Sprinkle and how much belongs to the players themselves, and dives into rotational question marks that continue to perplex with the Huskies' lineup.
Analysis: Tracking Seahawks’ 2026 Coaching Staff Interviews, Changes
While the Seattle Seahawks intend to maximize celebrating a Super Bowl LX win, the NFL operates as a year-round business and with sights on repeating next season, Mike Macdonald will have plenty of work on his plate building his coaching staff for the 2026 campaign.
Diving into every rumor, interview request, and hiring, Emerald City Spectrum will keep tabs on everything relating to the Seahawks’ latest coaching carousel. Make sure to check back often for the latest intel as Seattle aims to retain as many coaches as possible and hires replacements for those who depart.
Redhawks’ Explosive Second Half Offense Outpaced by Broncos in 84-72 Defeat
Following a loss Saturday night loss to the Portland Pilots where they scored just 53 points, the Seattle U Redhawks couldn’t afford another sluggish offensive performance going up against the high-powered Santa Clara Broncos, and they heeded the call with one of their best offensive games of the season.
But despite 20 minutes of some of their best offense in the second half, the Redhawks still fell to the Broncos 84-72 Wednesday night at the Leavey Center, continuing to slump in WCC play.
Storm Announce Pair of 2026 Preseason Games
The fate of the 2026 WNBA season remains up in the air, but the Seattle Storm announced their pair of preseason games that begin on Saturday, April 25.
Seattle will travel to the Golden State Valkyries for a 5:30 PM PT game that Saturday before coming back home to host the Portland Fire at 7 PM on Wednesday, April 29. That will be the Fire’s first-ever WNBA game.
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