Michigan, Jim Harbaugh chooses LB Ravens coach Mike Macdonald as next defensive coordinator

Michigan has named its replacement Don Brown. Mike Macdonald will be the team’s next defensive coordinator, Michigan announced on Sunday. Macdonald has spent the past seven seasons working for Jim Harbaugh’s brother John and the Baltimore Ravens, whose season ended Saturday night in the AFC’s divisional round against Buffalo. Macdonald, 35, was the Ravens linebacker coach for the past three seasons and served as a defensive back coach and defensive assistant before that.

“Mike is a great defensive spirit who is well respected in the NFL,” Harbaugh said in a statement. “He has been a valued member of the Baltimore Ravens team and has shown a passion for teaching, coaching and developing his players. Fiance Stephanie to our Michigan Football family.”

Brown joined Jim Harbaugh’s staff in 2016 after Harbaugh’s first season at Ann Arbor and guided some of the Big Ten’s best defenses in their first four seasons before a significant drop in 2020. Even during these strong statistical seasons, there were still frustrating shortcomings exhibited in losses against the State of Ohio. Brown and Michigan went their separate ways in December, and this rental has been one of the most intriguing of the coaching carousel. Considering the timing of the announcement – the day after the Ravens’ season ends – this decision has likely been around for some time.

This is a return to college football for Macdonald, who worked as a defensive assistant for Mark Richt’s staff in Georgia from 2011 to 2013. He coached inside and outside linebackers during his time in Athens, helping the mentor from All-SEC linebacker Ramik Wilson and contributing to two SEC East Division title-winning teams.

“It is an honor to join Coach Harbaugh’s staff at the University of Michigan,” said Macdonald. “I firmly believe in his vision and am delighted to get to work. Our staff will work tirelessly to develop our young men on and off the pitch – I look forward to meeting and developing relationships with our players, staff and community! Stephanie and I are thrilled to be joining the Michigan family, and we are so grateful for this opportunity – Go Blue! ”