A new era is bound in Seattle. The Seahawks have found their replacement for former Head Coach, Pete Carroll. The Seattle Seahawks have hired Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald as their new coach, according to sources. Macdonald becomes the NFL’s youngest head coach, he’s getting a six-year deal.
Macdonald started his NFL journey with the Ravens in 2014 and spent the last two seasons leading the sturdy defense. The only year he was not in Baltimore was in 2021 when he served as Michigan’s defensive coordinator. Macdonald has stacked up his resume to get his now head coaching job with the Seahawks. He helped the Ravens’ defense finish sixth in passing, first in fewer touchdowns runs allowed and second in red zone efficiency.
Macdonald is responsible for sending four Pro Bowlers, featuring the dynamic duo of linebackers, Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen. His defense shut down the Texans in the divisional round of the playoffs and held the Chiefs to 17 points in the AFC Championship loss. He takes over the Seahawks, who have large shoes to fill after legendary, Pete Caroll tenured the team winning the first Super Bowl in 2013 for the franchise. This all faltered after the Seahawks went 9-8 this past season and missed the playoffs.
Seattle’s defense has been a specialty at one point but it has struggled in recent years. Macdonald gets the chance to change that around with his experience as a defensive coordinator.
A youth movement in Seattle: Seahawks are expected to hire Ravens’ defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald as their new head coach, league sources tell ESPN. They’re still finalizing the deal, but Seattle has its man.
At 36, Macdonald now becomes the NFL’s youngest head coach. pic.twitter.com/uZ3vbXTS4n
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 31, 2024
Seattle Seahawks hires Mike Macdonald as new Head Coach
How He Can Change the Team Around
It’s no question that it’ll be a daunting task to fill in for the legendary, Pete Carroll after putting on an illustrious career with them. However, the Seahawks’ future does look promising. The defensive unit does have several promising young players including rookie cornerback, Devon Witherspoon. Macdonald will have plenty of tools to play with once he arrives in Seattle.
Macdonald has his own story to tell and what type of mindset he’s bringing to Seattle. He never played the game at a high level but spent time in high school playing football and baseball. This was cut short by a series of injuries. Fast forward, he spent his career taking an internship with the Ravens and was the assistant coach for seven years since 2014.
In his lone season in Michigan, he helped fabricate Detroit Lions star defensive end, Aidan Hutchinson for his breakout year. Also, turning around Michigan’s defense and the Wolverines won their first Big Ten title since 2004. His resume and story sets him apart to bring promising potential to the Seahawks. However, the flexibility in his defensive philosophy is something that Seattle players will enjoy with the freedom it comes with.
What the Future Holds for Seattle
Macdonald will become the eighth full-time head coach in Seahawks history. His hiring becomes unique since he’s only 36 years old which is half the age of Pete Carroll, 72. Macdonald will have plenty of years to come along with many decisions to make. Seattle’s first order of business for Macdonald will be assembling a coaching staff.
It’ll be interesting to see who they get since there are still candidates out there, but not enough wanting coordinator jobs. The Seahawks still need to decide if they want to proceed with Geno Smith as their starting quarterback in 2023. Arguably, Seattle made one of the most impressive hires in Macdonald so the stakes are high this year.
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