Seahawks Just Hired a Coach Who Knows the Harbaugh System Inside and Out
Here's some solid offseason news for the green and blue: the Seahawks are bringing Jimmie Dougherty onto the coaching staff as an offensive assistant, according to NFL Network. This is a guy who just wrapped up last season as the offensive coordinator at UW before heading out in February, and his connection to the Seattle front office is no accident.
The Harbaugh Connection Runs Deep
Here's why this hire makes sense: Mike Macdonald, our head coach, spent the last decade working under Jim Harbaugh or John Harbaugh before landing in Seattle. Now the Seahawks are stocking the staff with guys who've been in that same system. Dougherty was on the Michigan staff back in 2016 under Jim Harbaugh, which is where he crossed paths with Jay Harbaugh, our special-teams coordinator. Jay was at Michigan that same year. It's the kind of continuity that matters when you're building a coaching staff, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
UW Roots and a Long College Coaching Journey
Dougherty brings serious college football experience to the table. His coaching career goes all the way back to 2002, and he's been grinding it out in the college ranks the whole time. He was actually at UW before, back from 2009 to 2012 under Steve Sarkisian. Then he bounced to Arizona, came back to the Huskies in 2024 as the passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Jedd Fisch, and got promoted to offensive coordinator in 2025 when Brennan Carroll took off for the Raiders.
One thing worth noting: even though Dougherty held the coordinator title last season, Fisch called the plays. But the guy clearly knows how to develop quarterbacks and run an offense, which is exactly what the Seahawks need as Sam Darnold and the offense settle into their rhythm.
What's Next
This is the kind of quiet, smart addition that doesn't make headlines but could pay dividends when we're game-planning and developing our quarterback. The Harbaugh connection throughout the staff gives the Seahawks a shared offensive philosophy heading into the season. That consistency matters when you're trying to build something special in the Emerald City.
🐦 What fans are saying on X
See the latest reactions and highlights from Seattle fans about Jimmie Dougherty.
View X conversation →🔮 Trade Seattle Sports on Kalshi
Did you know you can trade on Seattle sports outcomes on Kalshi, the only federally regulated prediction market in the US? Kalshi is available in Washington state. Bet on Seahawks games, Mariners season outcomes, Kraken playoff runs, and more. No sportsbook account needed.
💰 Limited offer: Get a FREE $10 when you sign up!
👉 Sign up at Kalshi.com and use promo code SEATTLEONTAP to claim your free $10.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.