Ravens tab U-M’s Macdonald, 34, to lead defense

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens employed Mike Macdonald as their new defensive coordinator Thursday evening, creating some workforce historical past within the course of.

Macdonald, 34, turns into the youngest coordinator within the franchise’s 26-year existence, taking on a protection that has constructed a popularity for rating among the many NFL’s greatest. He’s believed to be the youngest defensive coordinator within the league.

This additionally marks the primary time the Ravens have employed a defensive coordinator outdoors the group — though that is extra of a reunion. Working underneath each Harbaugh brothers — going from Jim to John — Macdonald was the College of Michigan defensive coordinator final season after teaching for seven seasons in Baltimore.

“Mike is one among us — a Raven by and thru,” Baltimore coach John Harbaugh mentioned in an announcement. “Throughout his preliminary seven seasons with us, it was evident that his management, intelligence and keenness would earn him the chance to be a defensive coordinator within the NFL.

“Mike has repeatedly confirmed himself, together with when he led one of many nation’s greatest defenses at Michigan final 12 months. He’s a confirmed play-caller who is aware of our system nicely. He additionally totally understands the usual of taking part in protection in Baltimore.”

Macdonald replaces Don “Wink” Martindale, who was surprisingly fired final Friday after a supply mentioned the perimeters couldn’t agree on an extension. Beneath Martindale, Baltimore completed within the prime 10 in protection in three of 4 seasons.

However Macdonald assumes management of a Ravens protection that ranked No. 25 within the NFL final season, when it misplaced three starters within the secondary (cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters together with security DeShon Elliott). Struggling to generate turnovers and cease massive performs, the Ravens allowed 363.4 yards per sport, the second-most in workforce historical past.

Macdonald returns to Baltimore after a fast revitalization undertaking at Michigan, which gained its first Large Ten title in 17 years. In his solely season because the Wolverines’ defensive coordinator, Michigan completed No. 20 nationally in complete protection (330.8 yards per sport) after rating No. 89 (434.4 yards) the earlier season. Beneath Macdonald’s steering, edge rusher Aiden Hutchinson rose to a possible No. 1 total draft decide after recording 14 sacks.

The official hiring of Macdonald got here hours after the Ravens wrapped up their interviews for the place, however Macdonald was all the time thought-about one of many favorites to land the job. After dropping out on the defensive coordinator place to Martindale in 2018, Macdonald was seen because the inheritor obvious at defensive coordinator, even when he left for Michigan on the energy of John Harbaugh’s suggestion.

Macdonald joined the Ravens in 2014 as a 26-year-old intern earlier than working his approach up as a defensive assistant and a defensive backs coach. He coached the within linebackers for his final three seasons in Baltimore.

Identified for being detail-oriented and a very good instructor, Macdonald was integral when the Ravens revamped their defensive scheme in 2018. He additionally drew reward for his work on the sphere, the place he recognized traits in gamers and the place they are often moved round.

Harbaugh employed Macdonald after interviewing six different candidates for the job. Macdonald beat out two present Ravens coaches (line of defense coach Anthony Weaver and defensive cross sport coordinator Chris Hewitt) in addition to Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Joe Cullen, New Orleans Saints defensive backs coach Kris Richard, Dallas Cowboys defensive backs coach Joe Whitt Jr. and Tampa Bay Buccaneers inside linebackers coach Mike Caldwell.

Macdonald’s introductory information convention is scheduled for Tuesday.