Ever since he was hired as the first full-time NFL coach in Britain in 2018, Durde has devoted the majority of his time to the grind of playing American football.
After signing with the Atlanta Falcons, he advanced through the ranks as a coach in 2020 before joining the Dallas Cowboys in 2021.
The 45-year-old Middlesex native was named the defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks in February, putting him one step away from the position as head coach.
He told Sport, “I haven’t spoken about it much,” while spending the off-season back in the UK. “My family is concerned about it, but I just do it for myself.
I’ve been thinking a lot since returning home and interacting with the media and the folks at NFL UK. I actually haven’t felt it until today. It’s absurd.
“It’s a fantastic moment for reflection to say that I am extremely happy for this opportunity because I was back at my old office and it seemed like I was here yesterday. I have a lot of hope for the future.”
And that future is already bright; entering week four of the NFL season this weekend, the Seahawks are one of just five teams hoping to keep their perfect record.
