The Seattle Seahawks have hired former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike McDonald as their new head coach, signing him to a six-year deal, per ESPN. This hiring could have a ripple effect, impacting the Packers and their own defensive coordinator search.
It was reported on Tuesday that the Packers requested to interview Ravens defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson and Ravens linebackers coach Zach Orr for their defensive coordinator opening.
The impact of McDonald going to the Seahawks is that this now leaves an opening on the Ravens staff for defensive coordinator. McDonald is also going to have to hire a defensive coordinator of his own in Seattle.
It’s quite possible that Orr and Wilson will be at the top of both organization’s list when it comes to filling those new defensive coordinator openings.
Wilson is considered to be one of the top of defensive coordinator candidates available and has 12 years of coaching experience in both the 4-3 and 3-4 systems.
The 2023 season was his first in Baltimore. As a collective defense, the Ravens finished first in opponent passer rating, first in yards per pass attempt allowed and created the third-most interceptions. Safety Kyle Hamilton was also named an All-Pro this past season on Wilson’s watch.
Wilson was also part of the 2022 Philadelphia Eagles team that made a Super Bowl run. That defense ranked fifth in opponent passer rating and first in yards per attempt.
Orr, who is still just 31 years-old, re-joined the Ravens’ staff in 2022. Although PFF grades are not the be-all-end-all, before Orr’s arrival, Patrick Queen’s overall grade was 29.7 in 2020 and 43.5 in 2021. However, in the last two seasons, he’s seen his PFF grade jump to 69.7 and 73.0, respectively. Roquan Smith was also named an All-Pro in 2023.
Overall, the Ravens defense ranked fifth in yards per game given up, the fewest points, and generated the most takeaways. Before joining the Ravens’ staff in 2022, he was the outside linebackers coach in Jacksonville for one season.
Of course, the connection that Wilson and Orr have with McDonald could play a factor in their decisions—if either is offered the job. There is also the familiarity that each has with the Ravens organization, not to mention that they will be taking over one of the top defenses in football.
One important distinction between the Seattle defensive coordinator opening and the Packers’ job is that McDonald may choose to call the plays for the Seahawks, while the Packers defensive coordinator will be the one calling the plays.
In addition to Wilson and Orr, the Packers have also reportedly interviewed Christian Parker, Bobby Babich, who was hired by Buffalo to be their defensive coordinator, Brandon Staley, and Aden Durde.