The Seattle Seahawks have appointed Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator, Mike Macdonald, as their new head coach. Macdonald, at 36, becomes the NFL’s youngest head coach, bringing a reputation for defensive prowess and a commitment to bringing a championship back to Seattle.
The Seattle Seahawks have appointed Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator, Mike Macdonald, as their new head coach, signing him to a six-year contract, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Macdonald, at 36, becomes the youngest head coach in the NFL, known for his defensive prowess, leading the Ravens to top rankings in points allowed, sacks, and takeaways in 2023.
Expressing his excitement, Macdonald stated, “We are super excited to be here… What drew us here was the people. That’s why we’re here, to bring a championship back to Seattle and the 12s.”
The Seahawks opted for Macdonald after a second meeting on Wednesday, making a significant shift from the league’s oldest head coach, 72-year-old Pete Carroll, to its youngest.
In his two seasons with the Ravens, Macdonald’s defensive unit allowed the second-fewest points and sixth-fewest yards per game, ranking first in ESPN’s defensive efficiency metric. Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen praised Macdonald, stating, “I think [Macdonald is] the best candidate out there right now.”
The Ravens now face the task of finding a replacement for Macdonald as defensive coordinator, with several internal options considered. Meanwhile, the Seahawks, under new leadership, will need to build a coaching staff and address decisions on player personnel, including the starting quarterback for the 2023 season.
This hiring comes three weeks after the end of Carroll’s 14-year tenure, with team owner Jody Allen emphasizing the importance of maintaining the positive culture within the organization. Macdonald, born in Boston and with a background in coaching and sports management, will be the eighth full-time head coach in Seahawks history.
As Macdonald takes the helm, Seahawks fans anticipate a new era, marked by the youthful energy and defensive expertise he brings to the franchise.
The first challenge for Macdonald will be assembling a coaching staff, navigating player decisions, and steering the team towards the shared goal of bringing a championship back to Seattle.
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