The Baltimore Ravens made the somewhat surprising decision to fire now-former defensive coordinator Don Martindale after four seasons in that role with the team. Reports indicated that both sides felt like it was time for a change, so they decided to part ways.
On Monday during his end of season press conference, Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh was asked about how the conversation went with his brother Jim Harbaugh about Martindale’s replacement in Mike Macdonald. Harbaugh joked about the matter, but said that his brother was great about it.
“Yes, well he said, ‘Sure, no problem.’ (laughter) He was great about it. But he was great about it, actually, and it was a good experience for [defensive coordinator] Mike [Macdonald], I think. That’s something we’ll talk more about Wednesday, I’m sure, when Mike gets up here, but it was a good experience – just kind of the way it worked out – and now [Michigan head coach] Jim [Harbaugh] is looking for a defensive coordinator, and I’m sure he’ll find a great one.”
Jim is currently the head coach as the University of Michigan, and Macdonald joined him in 2020 to be his defensive coordinator after a long run in Baltimore with John. Macdonald played a key part in Michigan’s turnaround, and worked well with Jim. However, Jim is currently rumored to be a top candidate for the Minnesota Vikings head coaching job, so if he departs the University than the Wolverines will be looking for multiple key coaching replacements on a team that went to the College Football Playoffs last season.