Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike McDonald has been named head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, replacing Pete Carroll. What happens next could have a big impact on Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur’s search for his next defensive coordinator. McDonald was a member of Ravens coach John Harbaugh’s All-Star team. MacDonald was one of the candidates for the head coaching cycle.
All of McDonald’s top lieutenants interviewed for the defensive coordinator opening, including assistant coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver, running backs coordinator/assistant coach Chris Hewitt, linebackers coach Zach Orr and defensive line coach Dennard Wilson.
Among them are LaFleur Orr and Wilson. As expected, McDonald’s arrival in Seattle marks the beginning of a domino effect that will lead to Green Bay. Coaches love meetings.
There is no doubt that Weaver, Hewitt, Orr and Wilson were the coordinators in Baltimore. The Ravens have made the playoffs in five of the past six seasons. Remarkably, they have finished in the top 10 in points allowed seven times in the last eight years and in the top five three of the last six seasons. After several seasons of sustained defensive terror, the Ravens have a new defensive coordinator named head coach. Coaches also like to talk. McDonald needs a defensive coordinator in Seattle.
LaFleur may not be flashy, but a familiar face as a head coach would be more appealing to players like Wilson and Orr. So if LaFleur is surprised by how the Ravens have handled their defense, there’s not much he can do but wait and see how things play out. LaFleur’s desire to change jobs immediately runs counter to the reality that other candidates may have different plans. According to The Baltimore Sun, Weaver may be the best internal candidate. ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter mentioned Wilson:
According to ESPN, Orr could become Seattle’s coordinator. LaFleur’s affection for Baltimore’s coaches and interest in at least some of them is well-founded. The Ravens became the first team in NFL history to rank first in points allowed and points allowed this season. They also ranked first in passing yards per game and opponent passer rating, second in red zone rushing and third in yards allowed per game. The Ravens have dominated the defense all season. In other NFL Final Four games, Baltimore gave up six points against Detroit, 19 points against San Francisco and 17 points against Kansas City. He also allowed 19 points against Miami and 3 points against Seattle.
He scored 19 points in two games against Houston. The Ravens have allowed fewer than 300 yards in 10 games and 10 or fewer points in seven games. Other Green Bay prospects who did not spend a year in Baltimore include Denver Broncos defensive backs coach Christian Parker, Dallas Cowboys defensive backs coach Aden Durde and former Los Angeles Chargers coach Brandon Staley.
After firing Joe Barry, Green Bay’s opening is inevitable. The Packers rank 10th in points allowed this season and 9th overall in defense in 2021. With a defensive depth loaded with first-round picks and offensive tackle Jordan Love, the Packers look like a team on the rise after getting in the playoffs and knocked off the NFC champion 49ers. The limit has been reached for divisional round games.
