Michigan football: Mike Macdonald emerges as potential Ravens D.C.
Wink Martindale is out as the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive coordinator. Could Michigan D.C. Mike Macdonald be the next man in?
It appears it’s at least a serious option. Some, in fact, believe he’s the favorite.
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Several days ago, we’d heard several programs were interested in Macdonald, adding NFL teams probably would be, too. From our Jan. 17 report:
Michigan finished the season eighth nationally in scoring defense, allowing 17.4 points per game. They were 20th in total defense (330.9) and 11th in red zone touchdowns allowed (45.71 percent).
“The greatest impact he’s had on our team is that he’s really smart, a really good teacher, brings a lot of energy and brings a lot of intelligence,” Harbaugh said in December. “He’s a great communicator … all those things.
“Guys love playing for him. They’re really stimulated by all the football situations, by all the football knowledge. I see our guys really into it, and it’s been that way since day one. One other thing I would say about Mike, too … the thing that makes him really, really great is he is a team guy. He is all about the team, all about complementary football and all about any situation that comes up. Whatever is best for the team.”
Which is why he’s going to be in demand — and frankly, already is. Sources have confirmed other programs will pursue Macdonald (NFL teams will be interested, too, if they’re not already).
And they are.
In fact, Baltimore reporters have confirmed Macdonald and Ravens D-line coach Anthony Weaver are favorites for the vacant D.C. position. Macdonald, of course, has an in, having worked for John Harbaugh before.
The Ravens are reportedly on the verge of signing Harbaugh to an extension, one that should keep him with the franchise until the mid-2020s, at least. He’s been the team’s head coach since 2008 and has made the playoffs in nine of his 14 seasons.
Macdonald not on the road for Michigan
Adding to the intrigue, Macdonald isn’t currently on the road recruiting for Michigan. Former G.A. Dylan Roney has added “outside linebackers” to his profile and has been recruiting for U-M, and in Macdonald’s territory.
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, too, has been flirting with NFL teams. If he stays — and we still believe it’s headed that way — secondary coach Steve Clinkscale and new defensive line coach Mike Elston would be among those in line to take his place.
Clinkscale had it in his contract when he came from Kentucky, in fact, that he’d be in line as co-coordinator if the defense met certain criteria. He was likely in line for a promotion.
Macdonald originally came to Michigan from Baltimore on head coach John Harbaugh’s recommendation. He worked with Jim’s older brother for seven years. The elder Harbaugh hired him as an intern in 2014, promoted him to defensive assistant in January 2015, defensive backs coach in January 2017 and linebackers coach in January 2018.
“I hadn’t been around Mike a lot except the times I had been to Baltimore, visited there and talked some football,” Jim Harbaugh said after hiring Macdonald. “My brother John was like, ‘Yeah, this is the guy I would hire. He probably would be our next defensive coordinator here in Baltimore after Wink.’”
And now he might well be.
Watch for more on this development in the hours and days to come.
