Seahawks RB coach Kennedy Polamalu takes leave of absence

Field Level Media|published: Wed 10th December, 16:47 2025

Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Seattle Seahawks running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu is taking a leave of absence for personal reasons, the team announced on Wednesday.

Polamalu, 62, joined the staff in February 2024 when Mike Macdonald took over as head coach. Polamalu's duties will be assumed by run game specialist/assistant offensive line coach Justin Outten and offensive assistant Michael Byrne.

NFL Network reported that Polamalu might perform other duties for the team during his absence.

Polamalu has extensive coaching experience after playing fullback at Southern California from 1982-85.

His numerous college coaching jobs include at his alma mater as well as at UCLA, San Diego State and Colorado. His NFL experience as a running backs coach includes the Cleveland Browns (2004), Jacksonville Jaguars (2005-09), Minnesota Vikings (2017-21), Las Vegas Raiders (2021-23) and Seahawks.

He is the uncle of Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2020 inductee Troy Polamalu, who played safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2003-14.

--Field Level Media