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Just Before the Massive Playoff Showdown with the 49ers, Seahawks Shockingly Part Ways with Legendary Coach Who Led Team to Back-to-Back Playoff Appearances — and the Reason Behind It Is Leaving the Seahawks Community Furious

Seattle, Washington – January 15, 2026

Just days before a highly anticipated playoff clash with the San Francisco 49ers, the Seattle Seahawks made a decision that sent shockwaves through the fan base: the team unilaterally ended its relationship with running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu, a veteran assistant who had played a meaningful role during two consecutive seasons in which Seattle reached the playoffs.

Although Polamalu had been on a leave of absence since December, the timing of the official split — confirmed just days before the postseason — ignited a wave of backlash among Seahawks supporters. For many fans, this wasn’t merely a routine staffing move. It felt like a cold, abrupt separation from a coach who helped build stability in the run game during the franchise’s most recent successful stretch.

Notably, the Seahawks offered no public explanation for the decision. That silence only intensified the frustration. Polamalu had long been regarded as a diligent, disciplined teacher with a strong reputation for player development, and the lack of transparency led many fans to question why the organization chose to part ways without acknowledgment or closure. On social media, the prevailing sentiment was that Seattle opted for a quiet dismissal rather than a respectful goodbye.

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During Polamalu’s absence, head coach Mike Macdonald reassigned running backs responsibilities to assistants Justin Outten and Michael Byrne. Team officials maintain that this structure has been operating smoothly and will remain in place through the remainder of the season, including the playoffs.

From a football perspective, the Seahawks insist the move will not affect their preparation for the 49ers. Seattle’s ground game has continued to perform effectively. In the most recent meeting with San Francisco, Ken Walker rushed 16 times for 97 yards, while Zach Charbonnet added 74 yards and a touchdown.

Still, behind the statistics lies a deeply human story. In a brief message shared with those close to him, Polamalu offered words that struck a chord with many Seahawks fans:

“I poured everything I had into this place and into the people here, and when things close quietly, the hardest part isn’t the job — it’s walking away from a group you’ve come to see as family; football teaches you how to accept reality, but it never teaches you how to say goodbye, and even though I’m no longer here, I hope they keep moving forward, because the value of a coach isn’t in a title, but in what he leaves behind.”

As Seattle enjoys the advantage of a bye week and prepares for a do-or-die playoff battle, the decision continues to cast a shadow over the buildup. For many fans, the question now extends beyond whether the Seahawks can defeat the 49ers.

It’s whether the organization is drifting away from the very cultural values it once prided itself on.

In the NFL, wins and losses fade quickly — but how a team treats its people often lasts much longer.

🔥 FROM JACKSONVILLE ICON TO IMMORTAL: Jimmy Smith Enters the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Cementing a Legacy That Defined an Era
Jacksonville, Florida – January , 2026 – Jimmy Smith’s name is now forever etched among football’s immortals. The legendary wide receiver of the Jacksonville Jaguars has officially been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame — a moment Jaguars fans have long awaited. For a franchise that was still building its identity, Smith’s induction is more than just a personal achievement. It’s the recognition of a player who reshaped Jacksonville’s passing offense and became a symbol of consistency and excellence throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. Smith’s career was never about the spotlight — it was about impact. Drafted in 1995, Smith entered a Jaguars team that was on the rise, searching for its place in the NFL. What followed was one of the most productive and consistent careers in franchise history. Over his 11 seasons in Jacksonville, Smith became the team’s all-time leader in receptions (862), yards (12,287), and touchdowns (67), all while playing for a small-market team that was often overlooked. But the numbers tell only part of the story. Smith embodied the heart of Jacksonville’s offense during the Tom Coughlin era. He was a true game-changer — a reliable, versatile receiver who could do it all. Whether it was a quick slant or a deep route down the sideline, Smith had the ability to make plays that put the Jaguars’ offense on the map. He consistently delivered in clutch moments and established himself as one of the premier wide receivers of the 1990s and 2000s. “Jimmy was the guy who made everything click,” a former teammate once said. “You knew if you needed a big play, Jimmy would come through.” Smith’s career was also marked by his perseverance and consistency. A 5-time Pro Bowler (1996-2000), he was consistently among the league’s best. In fact, during his prime, he ranked second in receptions and first in yards in the 1990s and 2000s, trailing only Marvin Harrison. His impact on the Jaguars’ passing game cannot be overstated — he helped define the team’s offensive identity during the franchise’s formative years. Although Smith was a nominee and semifinalist for the Hall of Fame in 2026, his induction was long overdue. Playing in a small-market city like Jacksonville meant he wasn’t always in the national spotlight, but his on-field achievements and consistent production spoke for themselves. Smith was one of the most underrated wide receivers of his generation and a key part of Jacksonville’s early success. For Jacksonville, Smith’s induction carries profound significance. Before the team had its modern-day stars, Jimmy Smith was the face of the Jaguars’ offense. He represented hard work, dedication, and the ability to perform at the highest level, even when the world wasn’t always paying attention. As Jimmy Smith takes his rightful place in Canton, his legacy is undeniable. He wasn’t part of a dynasty, but he was one of the most respected, consistent, and feared wide receivers the game has ever seen. Jimmy Smith didn’t just play football.He redefined it. And now, his name lives forever — exactly where it belongs.