The Baltimore Ravens are on the verge of hiring Michigan’s Mike Macdonald as their new defensive coordinator, multiple outlets reported Wednesday.
A deal is expected by the end of the week. Macdonald would be leaving Jim Harbaugh to reunite with his brother John Harbaugh at Baltimore. Macdonald started as an intern with the Ravens in 2014 before moving up to be defensive backs coach and linebackers coach.
Jim Harbaugh hired Macdonald away from Baltimore almost exactly a year ago to run Michigan’s defense. Michigan finished the season No. 20 nationally in total defense and eighth in scoring defense in Macdonald’s only year.
Macdonald is 34 years old. He would replace Don “Wink” Martindale, who was fired by the Ravens last week.
In 2021, Martindale’s defense ranked first in the NFL in rushing yards allowed (84.5 per game) but dead last in passing yards allowed (278.9). The Ravens went 8-9 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Baltimore also ranked second in the league in scoring defense in 2020, third in 2019 and second in 2018 under Martindale.
–Field Level Media