The Seattle Seahawks have officially hired Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald as their new head coach.
Following the surprise firing of Pete Carroll, most Seahawks fans thought that old friend Dan Quinn would be a lock to take over the reins.
However, at the end of the day, Seattle’s ownership was impressed enough with Macdonald to give him a six-year deal and make him the youngest head coach (36) in the entire NFL.
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
Macdonald did an outstanding job leading the dominant Ravens defense.
Under his guidance, Baltimore led the league in points allowed, sacks, and takeaways.
Mike MacDonald had the 49ers offense in hell 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/myXgrw13bX
— 🎟️ (@Plazuhbtw) January 31, 2024
It’s a significant shift for the Seahawks who transition from the NFL’s oldest head coach, 72-year-old Pete Carroll, to its youngest in Macdonald.
The Ravens defensive coordinator was a highly sought-after candidate, interviewing with six teams this year, including the Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans, Los Angeles Chargers, and Washington Commanders.
the Seahawks defense next year with Mike MacDonald at HC pic.twitter.com/17Fgn4U4Nh
— ayoub (@vrixfw) January 31, 2024
Macdonald began his NFL coaching career as an intern with the Ravens in 2014 after coaching at the University of Georgia. He spent seven seasons on Baltimore’s staff before taking on the role of defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan in 2021. Macdonald returned to Baltimore in 2022 to reclaim his position as the Ravens defensive coordinator.
Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen praised Macdonald’s obsession with preparation, stating: “Nobody cares like him. Nobody will do what he does. He will not rest until he has everything right.”
Mike Macdonald's defense was historic this season pic.twitter.com/A6S9X1t2tk
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) January 31, 2024
As Macdonald takes on the role of the eighth full-time head coach in Seahawks history, his first challenge will be assembling a coaching staff.
The departure of Carroll has already led to changes among the assistant coaching staff, and Macdonald will need to fill those holes quickly.
Mike MacDonald energy with spoon will be generational pic.twitter.com/tv1EsVYRGH
— ً. (@FreeJaxs) January 31, 2024
The Seahawks are also faced with decisions regarding their roster, including the future of quarterback Geno Smith.
With Macdonald at the helm, Seattle must determine whether to proceed with Smith as the starting quarterback going forward.
JJ McCarthy and Mike Macdonald in Seattle pic.twitter.com/eiHCRhLbME
— CONNOR STALIONS #1 GUY (@Chap4227) January 31, 2024
The overall reaction to the hire is somewhat split. However, it certainly seems like the majority of Seahawks fans are excited with what Macdonald will bring to the table.
What are your thoughts on the hire?
Would Seattle have been better off sticking with Carroll?
Or is Macdonald the fresh blood the franchise needed???