49ers Prepare for First Seattle Clash Without Pete Carroll

The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for a significant match-up against their long-standing rivals, the Seattle Seahawks, who will be without head coach Pete Carroll on the sidelines for the first time in 15 years. Despite the Seahawks’ coaching change, 49ers’ General Manager John Lynch made it clear that the team is not underestimating their NFC West opponents.

In an appearance on NBC Sports Bay Area‘s “49ers Game Plan,” Lynch discussed the transition of Seattle’s coaching from Pete Carroll to Mike MacDonald, the former defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens. “Pete, first of all, was fantastic. Just a tremendous coach,” Lynch stated to host Greg Papa. “He had so much energy, and he did such a great job with that organization.”

Under Carroll’s leadership, the Seahawks have been a formidable force, giving the 49ers several tough encounters over the years. However, MacDonald’s tenure has already brought notable achievements, including a win against the 49ers last season at Levi's Stadium while he was with the Ravens.

“I think they found a really, really good head coach in Mike MacDonald,” Lynch added. “I talked to a lot of people who interviewed Mike throughout the process. He wowed everyone. … Everyone says he’s super bright, and you can see it in his schemes. I think he’s running a good shop up there in terms of doing things the right way.”

Lynch also acknowledged the challenge that the Seahawks continue to pose under the new leadership. “They’re a talented football team, they’re getting better, and I think Mike was a great choice. So, they’re going to be a challenge in our division for years to come,” he expressed.

The 49ers have historically held their own against the Seahawks and will aim to maintain their dominance as they face Seattle under MacDonald’s direction for the first time.