When Pete Carroll’s time in Seattle came to an end, it felt like the Seahawks were heading into uncharted waters. After 14 years and a Super Bowl win, replacing a franchise legend wasn’t going to be easy. Enter Mike Macdonald, the former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator, who has wasted no time turning the Seahawks into legit contenders.
Macdonald hasn’t just taken over head coaching responsibilities—he’s also running the defense. It makes sense, given that Seattle brought him in specifically for his defensive brilliance. His football IQ is up there with the league’s best, and it’s evident based on how well their defense is playing.
At 8-5 and sitting atop the NFC West, the Seahawks look like a completely different squad under Macdonald. Last year, the defense ranked 28th in EPA per play by Week 14. This year? They’ve jumped all the way to eighth—their best mark since 2017.
Macdonald also has a special touch when it comes to linebackers. In Baltimore, he got the best out of Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen. Seattle noticed that. Midseason, they made a trade for Ernest Jones IV, who’s been a game-changer. And let’s not forget rookie Tyrice Knight. Macdonald has taken him under his wing and turned him into a rising star.
Former Baltimore Ravens coach Mike MacDonald was the perfect Pete Carroll replacement
Macdonald’s defense has completely turned things around in Seattle. Back in Baltimore, he helped lead one of the NFL’s best units, including a 2023 Ravens defense that was first in total yards and points allowed. Now, he’s bringing that same magic to his first head coaching job.
Seattle’s defensive resurgence feels a lot like what Macdonald pulled off in Baltimore. While it hasn't always been pretty, his first season has already been a resounding success. Seattle's four-game winning streak is indicative of just how great a head coach he'll be—the Seahawks are allowing 15.5 points per game during that stretch.
If the defense keeps this up (or if they improve), they could be Super Bowl dark horses.
The Seahawks are 8-5 and in the drivers seat to win the NFC West
— Joel Moran (@joelvmoran) December 9, 2024
Holding opponents to 15.5 points per game during their 4 game win streak
Mike Macdonald is a great head coach pic.twitter.com/799qvI2QE3
While Macdonald has elevated the Seahawks, the Ravens have been feeling his absence. Baltimore’s defense, once its calling card, now ranks 23rd in points allowed and 22nd in total yards. The secondary has been a particularly weak spot, giving up a league-worst 264.9 passing yards per game.
Seattle, on the other hand, has gone from league average to division leader in just one season. Macdonald’s leadership, ability to adapt, and feel for the game have completely changed the team’s trajectory. For the Seahawks, he’s ushered in a new era of success.
For the Ravens, losing him has left a noticeable void. Luckily, the Ravens do have 32-year-old defensive coordinator Zach Orr, who spent two seasons working under defensive coordinator MacDonald. It looks like Baltimore's defense is finally making progress itself.
Will Macdonald be the coach to bring Seattle back to the glory days of competing for a Super Bowl, or will the Seahawks’ resurgence fizzle out before they can reach their full potential?