The Baltimore Ravens parted ways with defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale less than a week ago, but they apparently already know who they want to replace him. On Wednesday, TheWolverine.com reported that University of Michigan defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald is expected to sign on with the Ravens to be their new defensive coordinator. ESPN’s Pete Thamel confirmed the report, saying that a deal is expected to come together by the end of the week.
Macdonald just wrapped up his first season at Michigan under John Harbaugh’s brother. He helped Jim Harbaugh go a career-best 12-2, as he finally downed Ohio State for the first time in his seven-year tenure, and made the College Football Playoff. Macdonald also had a hand in introducing defensive end Aidan Hutchinson to the college football world, as he recorded 14 sacks in 2021 and was named a unanimous All-American. Macdonald is very familiar with Baltimore, as he actually spent the past seven years with the Ravens and most recently served as the linebackers coach from 2018-20.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Ravens defensive line coach and run-game coordinator Anthony Weaver was expected to be considered for a promotion, and CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora pointed to the possibility of bringing back former defensive line coach Joe Cullen. However, it appears John Harbaugh always had an eye on Macdonald, as he reportedly told his brother that Macdonald was next in line for a promotion should anything ever happen with Martindale, per TheWolverine.com.
Martindale served as the Ravens defensive coordinator for the past four seasons. In his first season as DC, the Ravens finished with the No. 1 defense in the NFL. The unit finished fourth overall in 2019 and then seventh overall in 2020 before dropping all the way down to 25th overall this past season.
