Ravens Hire Michigan DC Mike Macdonald as Defensive Coordinator

The Ravens and Don ‘Wink’ Martindale unexpectedly parted ways earlier this month. While that was surprising enough, it appears the Ravens have found their new defensive coordinator already, as the Ravens announced late on Thursday that they have hired Michigan defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald.

John Harbaugh took Macdonald away from his brother Jim, who is currently the head coach at Michigan. There is plenty of familiarity between the two. Macdonald also had been with Baltimore for six seasons before leaving after the 2020 season. He was their defensive backs coach and linebackers coach at differing points in his tenure.

That means that Baltimore is likely to retain much of its internal fabric. There could be changes and Macdonald is a hot candidate as an upcoming hotshot coach at 34 years old, but the blitz schemes and coverages Baltimore runs should be familiar to most.

With John Harbaugh himself likely to get extended as well this offseason, the Ravens are building towards their future under Harbaugh and with quarterback Lamar Jackson.