Seahawks' defense leader Ernest Jones forms an uncommon bond with coach Mike Macdonald

Ernest Jones IV and head coach Mike Macdonald developed a close working bond after their arrivals in 2024, and Jones has become the on-field relay for Macdonald's defensive play calls as Seattle's defense improved en route to Super Bowl 60.

Ernest Jones IV and Mike Macdonald have built a close working relationship that has become central to the Seattle Seahawks' defense. Macdonald was hired in January 2024 and set a new defensive vision for the team. Jones arrived in October 2024 and took on the on-field role of relaying play calls from Macdonald's headset to teammates. Their connection is repeatedly cited by players as a key part of the team's recent defensive turnaround. Key details: - Mike Macdonald joined the Seahawks in January 2024 and mapped out a new defensive approach in his first meetings with the team. - Ernest Jones was acquired in October 2024 after earlier moves and took on the inside linebacker role that includes receiving play calls through his helmet and relaying them in the huddle. - The coach-player link helps with in-game communication, especially when loud home crowds disrupt signals, and they often check in during TV timeouts to stay aligned. - Jones led the Seahawks in tackles (126) and interceptions (five) in the regular season and was named second-team All-Pro; teammates credit his play and leadership with energizing the defense. - The two connect off the field as well, with a relatively small age gap and similar family stages contributing to their rapport. Summary: Their partnership is described by teammates as an extension of the coach into the locker room and on the field, and it has coincided with measurable improvement in Seattle's defense, including a turnaround in run defense over the past year and a half. That working relationship will be visible as the Seahawks prepare to face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60 at Levi's Stadium.