Mike Macdonald apologizes to Sean Payton over leaked scouting comments

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has apologized to Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton following the leak of an off-the-record interview segment. The clip, which surfaced via journalist Graham Bensinger’s “In Depth” series, detailed a 2024 dispute regarding the Seahawks’ scouting methods.

Macdonald revealed that during the 2024 preseason, the Seahawks analyzed approximately 100 plays from the Broncos’ training camp by using footage filmed and posted publicly by fans on social media. Macdonald described the incident as a “cold war,” noting that Payton had reacted with fury, allegedly threatening to make public accusations of cheating similar to the New England Patriots’ “Spygate” scandal. At the time, the Seahawks reportedly threatened legal action against Payton to prevent such claims.

Macdonald stated that the comments were not intended for public use and that he believed there was an understanding that the exchange would remain private. He took full responsibility for the slip, calling it a “lesson learned.” Bensinger also issued a statement, calling the inclusion of the segment an “error in judgment” and noting that the footage had been provided to Seahawks PR five days before publication without objection.

Payton has since indicated that the two coaches are on good terms, stating, “He and I are good.”