The Baltimore Ravens hired Mike Macdonald as their new defensive coordinator, replacing Don Martindale. Macdonald spent seven years with the Baltimore organization before leaving to become the defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan in 2021 under Jim Harbaugh, but now returns to the Ravens to take over their defensive unit under John Harbaugh.
During Macdonald’s introductory press conference, the new Baltimore defensive coordinator was asked about the differences between the Harbaugh brothers. He talked about how the two are more similar than one might think.
“Sure, you start listing the differences, and it kind of comes full circle where it ends up being more similar than not. But I’ve said this in the past, not just because [head coach] John [Harbaugh] is sitting right here; the biggest common denominator is two real, genuine guys that shoot you straight. There’s no alter-anything going on. There are no side deals. It’s just up front and honest, and that’s all you can ask for as an employee and as a part of the organization. So, two guys who it’s easy to want to go to battle for, for sure.”
Macdonald was careful not to pick between two of the coaches that have meant so much to him, but made it clear that both make working under them a joy. Macdonald has flip-flopped between both brothers, but now ends up back with the Ravens under the older Harbaugh, in charge of an NFL defense for the first time in his career.