Seattle Seahawks Coach Mike Macdonald’s Tactics Create Controversy

Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald did not engage in cheating. Instead, he leveraged the Denver Broncos’ oversight. However, Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton perceived the situation differently.

In a recent interview with Graham Bensinger, Macdonald disclosed that he and his staff stumbled upon approximately 100 plays shared by fans on X after filming Broncos training-camp practices in 2024. Given that Macdonald’s debut game of that season was against Denver, he assessed those plays for a strategic advantage.

The strategy proved effective as Seattle secured a 26-20 victory against Denver, marking Russell Wilson’s return to Lumen Field. The triumph was significant, with Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald celebrating on the field after their victory in the NFL Super Bowl 60 against the New England Patriots on February 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Payton, however, was displeased with the Seahawks’ scouting methods. Macdonald informed Bensinger that Payton discovered the plays sourced from social media midway through the season and reacted strongly.

“He called [Seahawks general manager John Schnedier] and basically threatened to go public, akin to a Patriots Spygate scenario,” Macdonald said. “I was bewildered, thinking ‘Oh my God, we didn’t cheat!'”

So, why did Payton keep the matter private? According to Macdonald, Schneider threatened legal action if he did. This led to a tense standoff, reminiscent of a “Cold War” scenario with both teams maintaining their positions without escalating.

After the season’s conclusion, Macdonald encountered Payton at his Indianapolis hotel during the NFL Combine week. Expecting a confrontation, he was met with a subdued response, as Payton acted as though the incident hadn’t transpired.

Macdonald recalled, “I was kind of over him, and he greeted me with a casual ‘Hey coach,’ completely backing down in that moment. I thought, ‘That’s great.'” This exchange occurred post-Payton’s comments following the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots on January 25, 2026, in Denver, Colo. (Garrett W. Ellwood/AP Photo)

Macdonald’s actions were within bounds, unlike Spygate, which involved deliberate rule circumvention. The Seahawks adeptly accessed plays made public.

It’s unclear what filming rules the Broncos enforce, but Seattle restricts recordings during camp practices after individual periods conclude. Prudence dictates all teams should adopt similar policies.

Additionally, assuming the allegations hold merit, Payton’s reputation takes another hit. His previous suspension for the 2012 season due to the Saints’ Bountygate scandal—where players were paid to incapacitate targeted opponents—already marred his record.

Macdonald noted Payton took a subtle jab at former quarterback Russell Wilson after Jaxson Dart replaced him as the Giants quarterback. He remarked to Giants co-owner John Mara, “We hoped the change would’ve transpired long after our game.” Russell Wilson No. 3 of the Seattle Seahawks discussed matters with wide receivers coach Kippy Brown and Golden Tate No. 81 during an NFL matchup against the Buffalo Bills at Rogers Centre on December 16, 2012, in Toronto, Canada. (Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

Payton’s recent behavior hints at a petty attempt to accuse cheating where none existed. “He’s not my biggest fan,” Macdonald stated regarding Payton.

It’s intriguing to ponder if Macdonald would have shared this narrative a year prior. His Super Bowl victory offers him leeway to express his views candidly.

Macdonald is at the pinnacle now without the need for shortcuts. Matt Calkins, an Outkick columnist, frequently explores the intersection of sports and culture. Prior to joining the Fox team, he spent 11 years as a Seattle Times sports columnist, capturing a two-word quote from Marshawn Lynch and engaging a Seahawks draft pick in designing his apartment.

Calkins also served as a sports columnist at the San Diego Union Tribune after covering the Blazers for the Vancouver Columbian. Follow him on X at matt_calkins.