Data vs. gut instinct: Seahawks coach leans into analytics to support, not drive, in-game decisions

Seattle Seahawks head coach and self-professed football nerd Mike Macdonald just doesn’t understand why any coach or team would ignore the chance to lean into data and analytics.

“Why wouldn’t we use the best information out there?” he said during an interview this week on the Dan Patrick Show. “Why would you be scared about things that are going to possibly help you?”

Macdonald called himself a “psycho data guy” who needs “numbers and tendencies.” He has a new Super Bowl ring to show for his coaching style, but he’s also clear that while advanced technology and metrics may help support the team’s planning and in-game decisions, they don’t drive those decisions completely.

“You don’t have to do what the numbers say,” Macdonald said, adding that variables such as how a game is going, the feel for your own team, and gut instinct can all cancel out data suggestions.

That data-be-damned mentality came into play at the start of last season when the Seahawks, facing a 4th-and-1 from the San Francisco 49ers’ 19-yard line, ignored the analytical model that said to go for it. Macdonald opted to kick a field goal for a three-point lead and ended up losing when the 49ers came back and scored a touchdown.

Seattle started 0-1 and six months later won its second NFL title.

This year, Seattle opens against the New England Patriots, the team they beat 29-13 in Super Bowl LX.

Macdonald hasn’t learned much yet from that game, because he said he’s only watched it once, via tape and not the standard TV broadcast.

“Are you worried there’s a different ending?” Patrick laughed.