The Baltimore Ravens have been blessed with a plethora of riches in their return to the AFC title game. From the potential league MVP winner in Lamar Jackson to the longtime coaching of John Harbaugh to fielding one of the NFL‘s best defenses, Baltimore is a well-oiled winning machine.
As far as the coaching staff goes, the man behind the 2023 defensive unit has emerged as a potential head coach in the making.
Diving Into Mike Macdonald and How He’s Built His Ravens Defenses
Mike Macdonald is the brains behind Baltimore’s defense. Now, some NFL teams have asked about him and if his brainpower is interested in a promotion.
The 36-year-old Macdonald is currently in his second season running the defensive and has fielded two top-10 defenses in that span.
In 2022, Macdonald’s first Ravens defense ranked third in scoring while finishing ninth in total yards allowed. Yet, it’s his 2023 work that has catapulted his name into conversations about a future head coaching role.
The 2023 Ravens surrendered the fewest points in the league while also ranking sixth in yards allowed. Baltimore also allowed the second-fewest touchdown passes in the league.
How does Macdonald get his defense down to a science? Even star safety Kyle Hamilton told USA Today back on Nov. 16 that this scheme can be a confusing one.
“He’s got a somewhat complicated scheme,” Hamilton said. “But he’s done a great job drilling it down and making it simple for us.”
MORE: 2024 NFL Coordinator Interview Tracker
Macdonald gets players like Hamilton to play in multiple spots. Subsequently, it’s a scheme that the Ravens’ safety says “always keeps the offense on their toes” while showcasing the versatility of other Baltimore defenders.
But outside of calling for versatility, Macdonald is known for disguising his coverages with split safety looks to throw off quarterbacks. That method of attack led to 18 interceptions during the regular season. The Ravens frequently run Cover 2 (two-deep zone coverage) and Cover 6 (quarter-quarter-half).
Still, Macdonald’s scheme isn’t reliant on just causing chaos and confusion with his coverages.
He’s brought simulated pressures over to the Ravens — which allows a fourth pass rusher to come from the second (linebackers) or third level (defensive backfield) of the defense. It has the look of a delayed blitz, and it has helped lead to an astonishing 60 sacks in the regular season.
Macdonald has re-established the defensive culture at a place that’s produced Hall of Fame defenders Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, while also touting Super Bowl winners Peter Boulware, Terrell Suggs, Sam Adams, and the late Tony Siragusa.
Unsurprisingly, Macdonald’s coordinator work has led to multiple head coaching interviews.
Which Teams Interviewed the Ravens’ Defensive Coordinator?
Per PFN’s head coaching interview tracker, Macdonald spoke with five of the seven head coaching openings across the league.
Which were the five? Here’s who Macdonald had conversations with:
- Atlanta Falcons: Atlanta interviewed him back on Jan. 12 — during Baltimore’s first-round playoff bye. The Falcons have since turned to Raheem Morris to become their next head coach.
- Carolina Panthers: One day before he sat down with Atlanta, Macdonald interviewed for the Panthers’ opening. That position has since been filled by Dave Canales, who was named head coach Thursday morning.
- Los Angeles Chargers: The Bolts became the third team to speak with Macdonald, with their interview on Jan. 13. Los Angeles has since hired former Michigan and San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh.
- Tennessee Titans: Along with the Chargers, the Titans were one of two teams to sit down with Macdonald on Jan. 13. Tennessee instead rolled with an offensive mind in Brian Callahan (former Cincinnati Bengals OC) as its coach.
- Washington Commanders: The Commanders put in a request to interview Macdonald. However, it wasn’t determined if he interviewed for their opening.
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