The Cleveland Browns have expressed interest in interviewing Aden Durde, the Seattle Seahawks’ defensive coordinator, for their head coach position following the firing of Kevin Stefanski. This move comes as the Seahawks secure a playoff berth, boasting impressive defensive rankings under Durde’s leadership.
Durde, who made history as the first British coach in the NFL, has played a pivotal role in transforming the Seahawks’ defense. Currently, the team ranks third against the run and eighth against the pass, while leading the league in DVOA (defense-adjusted value over average). This success can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks’ head coach, and Durde, who are in their second year together.
The Seahawks recently clinched their 14th victory of the season with a dominant performance against the San Francisco 49ers, securing the number one seed in the playoffs and a bye week. This remarkable turnaround follows an offseason filled with skepticism after the team traded away key players, including Geno Smith and DK Metcalf, which had led many analysts to predict a difficult season.
Durde’s success has attracted significant attention, not only from the Browns but also from other teams eyeing his offensive counterpart, Klint Kubiak, who is also interviewing for several head coach openings. As the Seahawks prepare for the playoffs, Durde’s future remains a topic of discussion.
In an exclusive interview with Mirror US Sports, Durde reflected on his career trajectory and the support he receives from friends, including British television personality Vernon Kay. Kay previously expressed confidence in Durde’s potential to become a head coach soon after joining Seattle. When asked about these comments, Durde acknowledged the honor of such praise but emphasized his current focus on the team.
“It’s an honor that someone would say something like that,” Durde remarked. He noted that when he first entered the coaching profession, he had aspirations of becoming a head coach. However, after years of experience, his perspective has shifted.
“What I’ve learned in the eight years of doing this on a full-time basis is the most important thing is what you’re doing at that point in time,” he explained. “Right now, I’m having the time of my life in Seattle. Coaching the players I get to coach is some of the best time I’ve had doing football.”
While Durde did not dismiss the idea of pursuing a head coaching position in the future, he currently appears committed to the Seahawks as they aim for a Super Bowl title. “Honestly, if things happen in the future, they happen,” he stated. “Here, we have a blast every day. Opportunities come up when they need to come up.”
As the Seahawks prepare for their upcoming playoff game, they will face the lowest seed in the Divisional Round, which could include teams like the Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, or Carolina Panthers. With Durde’s leadership and the team’s recent success, the Seahawks are poised to make a deep playoff run.
