The Baltimore Ravens surprised many when they fired their defensive coordinator, Wink Martindale, shortly after the season ended. Martindale had led a very good Ravens defense for four seasons including top ten rankings in his first three seasons.
In 2021, with injury after injury limiting the team, that ranked dropped near the bottom of the league and Baltimore missed the playoffs.
According to multiple reports, the Ravens are zeroing in on the University of Michigan defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to replace Martindale. Macdonald is familiar with both the Baltimore organization and the Harbaughs. He coached for the Ravens for seven years before leaving John Harbaugh to join his brother, Jim, in the college ranks for one year.
Macdonald actually interviewed for the coordinator position before it was given to Martindale and stayed on for three seasons under the man who beat him out for the job.
At 34 years old, Macdonald is seen as an up and comer even prior to turning around the Wolverine defense last year. His work with Aidan Hutchenson and David Ojabo could have both player drafted in the top half of the first round of the 2022 NFL draft.
The Detroit Free Press was first to report Baltimore’s intentions to hire Macdonald.