The Seattle Seahawks are bringing in as a “run game specialist” to help strengthen their rushing attack, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. While his exact title isn’t confirmed as “run game coordinator,” his role will likely focus on improving the team’s ground game.
Outten previously served as the Tennessee Titans’ running backs coach and run game coordinator in 2023 before transitioning to tight ends coach under new head coach Brian Callahan in 2024. During his time overseeing the Titans’ rushing attack, the team finished around the league average in total rushing yards and yards per carry. However, they ranked 13th in EPA per rush and 26th in success rate, struggling behind a weak offensive line.
Before his time in Tennessee, Outten was the offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos in 2022 during Russell Wilson’s first season with the team. Although head coach Nathaniel Hackett called plays for most of the season, Outten took on a larger role after Hackett’s dismissal in December. Notably, current Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak also took over play-calling duties late that season. Denver’s offense struggled that year, which may raise questions about Outten’s impact.
Outten’s NFL coaching career began in 2016 as a coaching intern with the Atlanta Falcons, where he worked under offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan during their NFC Championship run. He then spent two more seasons as an offensive assistant before moving to the Green Bay Packers, where he served as the tight ends coach from 2019 to 2021.
His coaching background shows a strong emphasis on offensive line and run game development. Even at the high school level, he was both an offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Westfield High School in Texas.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald recently stated that no further staff departures are expected, meaning Outten is an addition rather than a replacement. There is also speculation that another former Broncos offensive coordinator, Rick Dennison, could join Seattle’s staff as well.
By adding Outten, the Seahawks are reinforcing their commitment to establishing a more effective ground game, an area that has been inconsistent in recent seasons.
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