01 February 2024 , 05:00
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The Seattle Seahawks are set to hire Mike Macdonald as their new head coach, replacing Pete Carroll.
Macdonald, previously the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, had been considered one of the top head coaching candidates and has joined Seattle on a six-year deal. At just 36, the new Seahawks head coach will be the youngest in the NFL.
He's spent most of his career with John Harbaugh and the Ravens, including a season with Jim Harbaugh at the University of Michigan. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport has praised Macdonald as the best defensive mind in the NFL, even dubbing him 'The Sean McVay of defensive coaches'.
This news follows Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson withdrawing from consideration. Macdonald will be the ninth head coach in Seahawks history, following Carroll's 14-year tenure which included a Super Bowl win and an impressive 60 per cent win ratio (227-137).
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The Seahawks have been struggling with their defence for nearly eight years under coach Carroll. At 72, Carroll hasn't ruled out coaching again in the NFL, but he's currently an advisor for the team.
After the Ravens were eliminated from the playoffs by the Kansas City Chiefs, players knew that their defensive coordinator might leave the team amid interest to become a head coach.
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Seattle Seahawks fired Pete Carroll on January 10 (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Queen said: "I think Mike Macdonald is the best candidate out there right now. I don't think anybody does it like him. Nobody cares like him. Nobody will do what he does. He will not rest until he has everything right.
"Whoever gets him, if he leaves, they’re getting the best candidate out there. The guy is all around just the best person I’ve ever been around, coach-wise [and] person-wise. He really cares and truly cares about the players, the people around the organization and the fans."
All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton also praised him, saying: "Mike Macdonald deserves everything that is coming his way. If that is a head job somewhere, then we're all super proud of him.
"I think everybody has their own journey [and] own time in this league, and he's a hot name in this league right now, and deservedly so. He's done a great job with us for the past couple years, and he's earned it, and it hasn't been given to him. I'm happy for him."
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.