Ranking the New NFL Head Coaching Hires: Mike Macdonald’s Promising Start in Seattle
When it comes to hiring a new head coach in the NFL, teams are always looking for someone who can bring fresh ideas and a winning mentality to their organization. In the case of the Seattle Seahawks, they decided to take a chance on the youngest head coach in the league, Mike Macdonald. And so far, it seems like they made a wise choice.
Macdonald’s track record speaks for itself. During his time at the University of Michigan, he helped transform their defense into one of the best in the country. When he left in 2021, the Wolverines were ranked eighth in the nation in defense. But his impact was truly felt in 2023 when the team achieved a near-historic performance and led the nation in defense.
Following his success at Michigan, Macdonald joined the Baltimore Ravens as their linebackers coach. The Ravens had struggled defensively, finishing 28th in defensive DVOA the previous season. However, under Macdonald’s guidance, the team made significant improvements. In 2022, they finished eighth in defensive DVOA, and in 2023, they claimed the top spot.
One area where Macdonald particularly excelled was in attacking offenses that were derived from the coaching tree of Kyle Shanahan. The Ravens wreaked havoc on teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, and Houston Texans, who all implemented offensive systems inspired by Shanahan. This ability to strategize and disrupt opposing offenses is a valuable asset for any team, especially one that has to face Shanahan’s schemes twice a season like the Seahawks.
While Macdonald may not have the same caliber of defensive talent that he had in Baltimore, the Seahawks have made consistent investments in their defense over the years. This has provided Macdonald with a strong starting core of players to work with. Additionally, the decision to hire Macdonald represents a significant shift for the Seahawks, as they transition from the 72-year-old Pete Carroll to the league’s youngest head coach. This move allows Seattle to establish a foundation at the head coaching position for the long term, provided that Macdonald’s performance lives up to expectations.
In conclusion, the Seattle Seahawks’ decision to hire Mike Macdonald as their new head coach appears to be a promising one. With his proven track record of success and ability to disrupt opposing offenses, Macdonald brings a fresh perspective to the team. While he may not have the same level of defensive talent as he did in Baltimore, the Seahawks’ investment in their defense provides him with a solid starting point. If Macdonald’s tenure in Seattle proves successful, the team could have a stable coaching foundation for years to come.
