JUST IN: Mike Macdonald, Ben Johnson available for Seahawks head coach interviews after playoff losses

How the outcomes would affect the availability of two potential head coaching prospects for the Seattle Seahawks was one of the side stories of Conference Championship weekend.

As a result of the Baltimore Ravens’ home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald will be accessible for interviews beginning this week. Due to the Seahawks’ decision to break ways with Pete Carroll on Wednesday, the window for interviews during Wild Card Week was somewhat reduced. As a result, Seattle did not interview Macdonald. The Seahawks reportedly planned to speak with Macdonald once Baltimore’s season concluded.

The Detroit Lions, meanwhile, lost 34-31 to the San Francisco 49ers after blowing a 24-7 halftime lead. Ben Johnson is no longer the offensive coordinator for the team. The Lions would have had a bye week to do a second interview with Ben Johnson if the Lions had prevailed, unlike Macdonald who only spoke with Seattle. Macdonald and the Seahawks were unable to do an initial interview during the Super Bowl bye week.

The Seahawks have the option to select either one of them two to be their head coach. Since there are now just two open positions in the HC, Seattle will naturally get the chance to hire at least one of the Seahawks and Commanders. Johnson is the offensive rising star, and Macdonald is the astute defensive intellect.

This week is when the coaching search ought to get some steam.