John Lynch believes the Seahawks will challenge the 49ers in the coming years – NBC Sports Bay Area and California

For the first time in 15 years, the 49ers will face a Seattle Seahawks team without coach Pete Carroll on the opposing sideline.

But as general manager John Lynch revealed Wednesday, that doesn't mean San Francisco is treating its NFC West rivals any more leniently.

On NBC Sports Bay Area's “49ers Game Plan,” Lynch discussed Seattle's offseason coaching change from Carroll to former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald.

“Pete was, first of all, fantastic. Just a great coach,” Lynch told Greg Papa. “He had so much energy and did such a great job with this organization.”

Carroll, of course, was a thorn in San Francisco's side for several years, perhaps most noticeably in the 2013 NFC Championship Game.

However, MacDonald has already had success against the 49ers. His Ravens defense forced four interceptions from Brock Purdy in a win on Christmas Day last season at Levi's Stadium.

“I think they found a really, really good head coach in Mike MacDonald,” Lynch told Papa. “I spoke to many people who interviewed Mike throughout the process. He impressed everyone in all the right ways.

“They're a talented football team, they're getting better and better, and I think Mike was a great choice. So they will be a challenge in our division in the coming years.”

The 49ers have won five straight games against the Seahawks, so Lynch and San Francisco will be hoping that trend continues Thursday in Seattle against a new opposing coach.

Download and follow the 49ers Talk Podcast