Seahawks' Hinds Wins Defensive Line Coach Award

0:00On March 25, Seattle Seahawks defensive line coach Justin Hines just picked up the 2025 John Tearling Memorial defensive line coach of the year award. This peer-voted honor came at the NFL Combine and recognizes his work leading one of the league's top units during a historic season. The Seahawks defense finished as the number one scoring defense and number one against the run, allowing just 75.7 yards per game on the ground. At front four, featuring veterans Leonard Williams, Jaren Reed, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Byron Murphy II held opponents to a league low, 3.7 yards per carry. Hired in 2024, under head coach Mike McDonald, Hines helped build a no-ego group that rushed as one and disrupted quarterbacks all year. Players and peers praised Hines for his servant leadership style, where he meets them as people, reps drills alongside them, and invests in one-on-one time. Starting from his days as a college defensive lineman, he mixes tough demands with genuine

1:02connection, even trading banter during practices to build, bonds. Take Ricky Riley Mills, who battled back from an ACL injury and nashed his first career sack in the Super Bowl after extra work with Hines. The coach credits the player's relentless mindset for carrying the defense to new heights, including that championship run. With the award in hand, Hines stays focused on growth as the Seahawks gear up for another strong year under McDonald's staff.