Ravens’ Macdonald is Wolverines’ new defensive coordinator
ANN ARBOR » Michigan hired Baltimore Ravens linebacker coach Mike Macdonald as defensive coordinator.
The Wolverines announced the move Sunday. The 33-year-old Macdonald replaces Don Brown, who recently became the defensive coordinator at Arizona.
It’s a significant hire for Michigan, which is trying to find its footing under coach Jim Harbaugh after going 2-4 in this abbreviated season. Macdonald worked for Harbaugh’s brother, John, with the Ravens.
“Mike is an excellent defensive mind who is highly respected across the NFL,” Jim Harbaugh said. “He has been a valuable member of the Baltimore Ravens staff, and shown a passion for teaching, coaching and developing his players. We are excited about everything that Mike brings to our defense, team and university.”
The Ravens were eliminated from the playoffs with a loss to Buffalo on Saturday night.
“It is an honor to join Coach Harbaugh’s staff at the University of Michigan,” Macdonald said. “I firmly believe in his vision and am excited to get to work. Our staff will work tirelessly to develop our young men both on and off the field.”
Macdonald has spent the past seven seasons with the Ravens, the last three as linebackers coach.
This season Baltimore was second in the NFL in scoring defense, allowing just 18.9 points per game. The Ravens were also sixth in the passing defense (221 yards per game) and eighth in rushing defense (109).
In 2019, the Ravens upheld their strong defensive tradition, allowing the NFL’S third-fewest points (17.6) and fourth-fewest net yards (300.6) per game. Baltimore also ranked fifth against the run (93.4 ypg) and No. 6 vs. the pass (207.2 ypg) last season, en route to a franchise-best 14-2 record and second-straight AFC North division title.
In 2018, the Ravens produced the NFL’S No. 1 defense, allowing 292.9 yards per game. Baltimore also permitted the league’s second-fewest points per game (17.9), en route to standout LB C.J. Mosley earning his fourth-career Pro Bowl nod. In 2017, alongside secondary coach Chris Hewitt, Macdonald helped guide a defensive backfield that contributed to the NFL’S most INTS (22) and forced turnovers (34).
In 2016, Macdonald worked with then-secondary coach and current Bills’ defensive coordinator/assistant head coach Leslie Frazier, helping guide a unit that finished seventh overall (322.1 ypg) and produced a league-leading (tied, KC & SD) 18 INTS. During the 2015 campaign, Macdonald worked closely with defensive coordinator (then-inside linebackers coach) Don Martindale.