Ravens DC Mike Macdonald to be Seahawks' next head coach

Four weeks after parting ways with beloved head coach Pete Carroll, the Seattle Seahawks have found a replacement. Former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald has agreed to a six-year deal that makes him the team's next head coach. Macdonald had a second interview Wednesday morning and the hiring announcement immediately followed.

Macdonald's hiring comes after a 2023 season that saw the Ravens' defense lock down opposing offenses with unparalleled efficiency. He'll look to turn around a Seahawks defense that struggled despite the presence of a number of talented players.

Macdonald was a coaching assistant in Baltimore from 2014 to 2020. In 2021, he accepted a job as the University of Michigan's defensive coordinator. That year's Michigan team went 12-2, earning a Big Ten championship and an appearance in the 2021 College Football Playoffs. He would then return to Baltimore as the defensive coordinator for the 2022 season and would continue with the team in 2023.

Macdonald will now be the league's youngest head coach at 36 years old. His first job will be to fill their offensive and defensive coordinator positions, which were both vacated after an underwhelming 2023 campaign.

On offense, Seattle will be looking for a scheme that can efficiently utilize their three talented wide receivers. The lack of throws to star wideout DK Metcalf was a major cause of fan outrage last year, as Metcalf dominated when given the ball. On the ground, Macdonald can rely on the young and talented Kenneth Walker III to run the ball, which has historically been the focus of previous Baltimore and Seattle offenses.

On defense, Macdonald will have some work to do. There are a number of free agents that fans want to resign. Defensive tackle Leonard Williams is a name that many want to see back. Fan-favorite and future Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner has displayed a desire to return, but his age may turn Macdonald away. Jamal Adams' future, marred by injuries and inconsistent play, is another major decision for Macdonald to make this offseason.

Thankfully, Macdonald has a crop of young stars to utilize. Cornerback Devon Witherspoon is a favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, an award many thought teammate Tariq Woolen should have won last year. Second-year edge threat Boye Mafe had nine sacks and looks to be a future weapon. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith Njigba had a promising rookie campaign, and the previously mentioned Walker is only 23. Macdonald will look to add to this group of young talent in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Seattle's draft future revolves around their plans at the quarterback position. Geno Smith has played well for the most part and was recently elevated to his second Pro Bowl as a replacement for the injured Matthew Stafford. However, his age, consistency and championship potential are still sources of concern in Seattle.

Given this draft's many options at quarterback, there's certainly potential for the Seahawks to draft a replacement. Macdonald could choose to trade up for Heisman winner Jayden Daniels, whose draft position has fluctuated among experts. There are other options like Bo Nix, J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr. for the Seahawks to consider. These quarterbacks saw college success but aren't quite on the level of the draft's top passers. Still, if Seattle likes one of them, the Seahawks could realistically draft here. There are plenty of fans calling for a quarterback that would be open to such a move.

The Washington Commanders are now the only team without a head coach. They were reportedly on their way to meet with Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson when they discovered he intended to stay in Detroit. Johnson was another name heavily linked to Seattle, and his decision to stay was announced only a day before Macdonald's second Seattle interview and subsequent hiring. The Commanders are now without a clear favorite to be their next coach.