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Baltimore Ravens hire Mike Macdonald away from Michigan to become defensive coordinator

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It’s not yet known what’s going to happen with the Michigan football program. However, Mike Macdonald will not be a part of the team moving forward.

With rumors suggesting that Jim Harbaugh could make his way back to the NFL and depart the Wolverines, Macdonald has reportedly done just that.

Multiple media reports indicate that Macdonald is headed back to the Baltimore Ravens to be their next defensive coordinator, replacing the recently-departed Don Martindale in the process.

“A deal is expected to be finalized in the coming days, according to sources. Macdonald has been replaced on the road recruiting by a graduate assistant coach, Dylan Roney, in preparation for his departure,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Jamison Hensley reported Wednesday.

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Mike Macdonald returns to the Baltimore Ravens

baltimore ravens hire mike macdonald
Michigan defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald watches warmups before a game against Northern Illinois at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021 (Junfu Han via Imagn Content Services, LLC)

Macdonald, 34, was with the Ravens from 2014-20. He started his coaching career with the team as an intern before becoming a defensive assistant in 2015-16. Macdonald was then promoted to defensive backs coach in 2017 before taking over as linebackers coach (2018-20) prior to departing for the Wolverines ahead of last season.

With Michigan, Macdonald led a defense that was among the best in the country (No. 8 in the nation) en route to helping the Wolverines to the College Football Playoffs.

During his time with the Ravens, Macdonald coached stud linebackers such as C.J. Mosley and Patrick Queen as well as defensive backs Tony Jefferson and Eric Weddle. He’s seen as an up-and-comer around the football world.

This couldn’t come at a better time for a Ravens team that took a major step back defensively last season. Baltimore ranked 19th in points allowed compared to second in Mike Macdonald’s final season with the team.

This also comes amid reports that Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is set to sign an extention with the Ravens. The team’s coach since back in 2008, he was set to enter the final year of his contract.

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