RENTON, Wash. — The Seattle Seahawks will begin their 2026 NFL regular season on Wednesday night against the New England Patriots, marking the debut of Brian Fleury as the team’s new offensive coordinator. Fleury, previously the San Francisco 49ers’ run game coordinator and tight ends coach, was hired by Seattle in February to replace Klint Kubiak, who departed to become the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Fleury, 20 years into his coaching career, is taking on play-calling responsibilities for the first time on offense at the professional level. His journey began after an injury ended his college quarterback playing days at Towson University, leading him to transition into coaching. He has experience calling plays on defense and special teams during his time at Sacred Heart and Towson but has never served as an offensive play-caller before.

Despite being new to the role, Fleury has impressed players and staff with his preparation and ability to communicate the offensive system. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp highlighted Fleury’s successful adaptation, noting the challenge of installing his vision without bringing an entirely new coaching staff. The Seahawks retained most of their previous assistants, including those who also interviewed for the offensive coordinator role.

Quarterback Sam Darnold, who led Seattle to back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons and helped guide the team to last season’s Super Bowl victory, praised Fleury’s clarity and thoroughness as the regular season opener approaches. The Seahawks’ offense is expected to retain many elements of Kubiak’s system, emphasizing outside-zone running plays and play-action passes. However, defensive lineman Leonard Williams observed that the offense is operating at a faster pace and incorporating more tight end and fullback motion than in past seasons.

The team also appears poised to increase its use of running backs in the passing game. Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet combined for significant receiving yardage in 2025, and reserve backs like Emanuel Wilson, along with rookie Jadarian Price and third-year player George Holani, have seen expanded roles in practice routes and passing plays.

Fleury’s coaching style has been described as stoic and focused, characterized by careful study and clear communication rather than flashy displays. Tight end Eric Saubert, who worked with Fleury in San Francisco, praised his ability to articulate player roles clearly in the moment. Fleury himself emphasizes a forward-looking approach, aiming to maintain focus on the next challenge rather than dwelling on successes.

As the Seahawks prepare to defend their title, Fleury will call plays from the sideline, continuing a familiar method he used in San Francisco. While many preseason starters and key players spoke positively of his leadership, some younger roster players expect limited roles during the regular season.

With a staff largely carried over from the previous year and a roster stocked with proven talent, Fleury’s offensive philosophy is widely expected to align closely with the Seahawks’ recent identity. He summed up the approach succinctly: “We’re just going to play Seahawk football. We’re going to be fast and aggressive — just try to control the game and put pressure on the opponent any way we can.”

Seattle enters the season with strong expectations as the reigning Super Bowl champions, aiming to maintain momentum under the guidance of a first-time offensive coordinator embracing a new chapter in his career.