On Jan. 17, 2021, Mike Macdonald was announced as the next defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan. Macdonald — formerly a linebackers coach of the Baltimore Ravens — inherited a historically bad unit coming off one of the worst seasons in program history.
Macdonald orchestrated college football’s most improved defense as the Wolverines jumped from the No. 95 ranked scoring defense in 2020 to No. 8 in 2021. Moreover, Macdonald helped transform the organizational culture within Schembechler Hall and empowered players to take command of the team.
One year and 11 days after his initial hiring, Macdonald is on his way back to the Ravens, this time as their defensive coordinator.