Kubiak: Geno Smith a 'huge' reason for choosing Seahawks

New Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak credits quarterback Geno Smith as a major reason he took the job.

"(Geno) was a huge draw to come here and to get to coach him alongside (quarterbacks coach) Andrew Janocko, so we have high expectations for him," Kubiak said Tuesday, per NFL.com's Michael Baca. "We're gonna push Geno and get the best out of him. ... It's a team thing, and he's gotta be the head of that."

Kubiak joins the Seahawks after spending a season with the New Orleans Saints in the same role. He replaces Ryan Grubb, whom Seattle fired at the end of the regular season.

Smith posted some of the best passing numbers in the NFL in 2024, ranking fourth in overall yards and fifth in completion percentage. However, he was also second in interceptions, throwing 15 picks in 17 games. The Seahawks are 27-22 with Smith as a starter.

"I think Geno is tough as nails," Kubiak said. "You look at the guy in the fourth quarter: He goes and wins football games. That excites me; that fires me up."

Head coach Mike Macdonald reiterated Friday that the organization has faith in the quarterback, saying that the Seahawks can win a Super Bowl with Smith. The 34-year-old passer is under contract for one more season after signing a three-year, $75-million deal in 2023.

Smith and Seattle finished 14th in offensive yards and 18th in points in 2024. The Seahawks went 10-7 and were one of the last teams to be eliminated from playoff contention. Seattle hasn't reached the postseason since Smith's first year with the club.