The Baltimore Ravens made it official, hiring Michigan defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald as their new defensive coordinator as the replacement for Wink Martindale. The Ravens parted ways with Martindale after offering him a one-year extension that he declined, according to a league source.
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Who is Mike Macdonald?
Macdonald, 34, a former Ravens linebackers coach, defensive backs coach, and defensive assistant, spent last season with the Wolverines before rejoining the AFC North franchise.
“Mike is one of us, a Raven through and through,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “During his initial seven seasons with us, it was evident that his leadership, intelligence, and passion would earn him the opportunity to be a defensive coordinator in the NFL.
“Mike has continuously proven himself, including when he led one of the country’s best defenses at Michigan last year. He is a proven play-caller who knows our system well. He also fully understands the standard of playing defense in Baltimore.”
Macdonald’s time at Michigan
Macdonald led a defense that allowed just 330.8 yards per game last season as the Wolverines defeated Ohio State after allowing an average of 434.3 yards per contest in 2020.
Top draft prospect Aidan Hutchinson had 15 quarterback pressures in the big win over the Buckeyes. Macdonald has coached several current Ravens, including linebackers Patrick Queen and Tyus Bowser.
Macdonald’s history with the Ravens
With the Ravens, Macdonald was part of the NFL’s top-ranked defense from 2018 to 2020 as they allowed 307.8 yards and 18.2 points per game as linebackers Matthew Judon and C.J. Mosley earned Pro Bowl selections with him as their position coach.
Macdonald, recommended to Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh by his brother, John Harbaugh, is a former Georgia graduate assistant who joined the Ravens as a coaching intern in 2014.
Now, he’s back where it all began.