The American Century Championship, a charity golf tournament that draws celebrities and athletes, will take place from July 8 through July 12 at Edgewood Tahoe in Lake Tahoe, California. This year’s field includes a surprising duo: Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and former San Francisco 49ers assistant Robert Saleh, now the head coach of the Tennessee Titans.
Mike Macdonald arrived at the event with a clear focus on the upcoming NFL season. He emphasized that the Seahawks are in a strong position because they understand the formula that led to a Super Bowl victory, describing their approach as "run it forward" to build on that success.
During a brief interview, Macdonald spoke about the surreal feeling of having just captured a championship and how that experience shapes his outlook. He also shared optimism about the competitive landscape, noting that the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams are both expected to be improved this fall.
Robert Saleh, who spent several years as an assistant with the 49ers before taking the reins in Tennessee, praised the way his former team managed injuries and cultivated depth. He highlighted the organization’s belief that every player can execute at a high level, a philosophy that has carried over into his new role with the Titans.
Saleh also took the opportunity to talk about the Titans’ emerging quarterback, Cam Ward, describing him as an exciting young talent who could shape the franchise’s future. He admitted that while he is often asked about lessons learned from his stint with the New York Jets, his current focus is on making the most of the golf tournament experience.
Championship Mindset on the Fairway
Both coaches downplayed their own golfing abilities, insisting that they are there more for the camaraderie and the chance to support charitable causes than for competitive play. Their competitive fire, however, remains undiminished, as they bring the same meticulous preparation they use on the sidelines to the practice range.
The tournament will feature a mix of former NFL stars, Hollywood personalities, and other public figures, all competing for prize money that benefits a variety of charitable organizations. For Macdonald and Saleh, the event offers a rare chance to step away from the grind of the NFL calendar and enjoy a different kind of competition.
As the tournament approaches, fans of the Seahawks, 49ers, Rams, and Titans will be watching closely to see how their coaches’ championship insights translate onto the golf course. Whether on the fairway or the field, both men share a common drive to keep improving, a trait that has defined their professional journeys.