NFL Trade News: Seahawks hire Ravens DC Mike Macdonald as new HC

The Seattle Seahawks endured a challenging 9-8 season. They also fell short of the playoffs for the second time in three years. Once known for their formidable defense, the team has grappled with defensive woes in recent seasons.

Like several other NFL teams, the Seahawks also sacked their head coach Pete Carroll following the lackluster season. Now, they have decided to elevate the D-line by hiring former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald as their new HC following a thorough interview process.

Seahawks hire Mike Macdonald

The Seahawks have officially welcomed Mike Macdonald as their ninth head coach, succeeding Pete Carroll’s remarkable 14-season tenure. After receiving a warm welcome at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center, he expressed his gratitude. The veteran coach boldly emphasized his commitment to the franchise’s people-driven culture and the pursuit of a championship for the passionate 12s.

“We are super excited to be here. Just getting to know John and the rest of the folks, the reputation of this place, what drew us here was the people. That’s why we’re here, to bring a championship back to Seattle and the 12s. We’re going to have a lot of fun, we’re going to work our tails off, and it’s going to be an incredible ride. We’re going to be here for a long time, and we’re going to win a lot of football games”, Macdonald said.

The new head coach’s task will extend beyond inheriting a storied position. With the Seahawks ranking 25th in points allowed over the past two seasons, he will have to revamp the defensive scheme. The veteran coach will also focus on maximizing player potential and addressing deficiencies, particularly against the run. As the successor to Carroll, Mike Macdonald aims to bring a fresh perspective while benefiting from Carroll’s continued presence as an adviser.

Ravens shares farewell message to Mike Macdonald

After two seasons of steering the Ravens’ defense to greatness, Mike Macdonald bids adieu to the purple and black. The team shared a heartfelt farewell message to him on social media, with a caption, “Thank you, Mike!” accompanied by a purple heart emoji.

Starting his coaching career at Cedar Shoals High School in Georgia, the defensive coach’s passion and expertise quickly caught the attention of the NFL. He began his professional journey as a coaching intern with the Ravens. Following a successful stint as the defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan, he made a triumphant return to the Ravens in 2022.

During his tenure, the Ravens boasted a formidable defense that struck fear into the hearts of their opponents. In the 2022 season, they secured a third-place ranking in scoring defense.

The 2023 season witnessed the Ravens’ defense ascending to new heights. They secured the top spot in scoring defense, limiting opponents to a mere 16.5 points per game. The team also led the league in sacks with an astonishing 60 and shared the pinnacle in takeaways with 31. Yards allowed per game were also commendable, with them ranking sixth at 301.4.