Could Baltimore Ravens DC Mike Macdonald Become Washington Commanders' Next Coach?
In a world where the top offensive minds are seemingly tabbed for every head coaching opening, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald has asserted himself as one of the top candidates heading into the offseason.
One team who could have Macdonald at or near the top of their list is the Washington Commanders. Washington (4-11) hasn't moved on from Ron Rivera, who is in his fourth year as the head coach, though reports indicate they'll part ways after this season.
Mike Macdonald will be one of the most coveted names in coaching searches this off-season.
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
One nugget of information that connects the Beltway franchises comes from Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, who noted Commanders owner Josh Harris' infatuation with the Ravens' (12-3) organization. Harris bought the Commanders on July 21 and in the middle of his first season in control of the team.
Along with Macdonald being a potential head coaching candidate, Breer mentioned Ravens Director of Player Personnel Joe Hortiz and Vice President of Football Administration Nick Matteo as potential candidates to become the Commanders' next general manager.
"We're all learning on the fly about Commanders owner Josh Harris, who was accompanied by one of his limited partners, Mitchell Rales, at this week's league meetings in Dallas," Breer writes. "And one thing I learned down in Texas over the last few days could at least color how the next couple of months go with the new owners and their team - Harris likes how the Commanders' beltway rivals from Baltimore do business."
The other dot that Breer connected was Washington hiring Eugene Shen as its Senior Vice President of Football Strategy. Shen was with the Ravens from 2014 to 2019 and was the director of coaching analytics.
Macdonald's name has become as hot as it has ever been after he led another defensive masterclass, as the Ravens' defense shut down the San Francisco 49ers and has five interceptions in a 33-19 win on Christmas at Levi Stadium. The 49ers (11-4) were averaging 34.5 points per game during their six-game winning streak heading into the Monday Night Football matchup.
Baltimore's defense has been one of the best in the NFL since Macdonald became the defensive coordinator before last season. This year, the Ravens have allowed the fewest points per game (16.3) and lead the league in sacks (54). In 2022, Macdonald's defense allowed the third-fewest points per game (18.5).
While it's unknown if Macdonald, 36, wants to pursue a head coaching job, one thing that's clear is he'll be one of the most coveted names in head coaching searches, which means he'll likely have options to choose from. If Harris wants to model his franchise after the Ravens, Macdonald could do much worse than staying close to home and following someone like Hortiz or Matteo to the Commanders.
