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Analysis: What Michigan Is Getting In Defensive Coordinator Mike Macdonald

Michigan Wolverines football is closing in on hiring 33-year-old Baltimore Ravens linebackers coach Mike Macdonald as its defensive coordinator, and is set to make it official once his team's playoff run is over, as reported by TheWolverine.com. The Ravens defeated the Tennessee Titans Sunday and will match up with the Buffalo Bills this coming Saturday.

Of course, Macdonald currently works for Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh's brother, John Harbaugh, in Baltimore. He has been in charge of the linebackers for three seasons, before serving as a defensive assistant in the secondary before that, ahead of his time as a student assistant and graduate assistant for the Georgia Bulldogs from 2010-14.

We spoke to UGASports.com editor and insider Anthony Dasher and BaltimoreBeatdown.com writer Spencer Schultz for more insight on Macdonald's career.

RELATED: What We Know About Jim Harbaugh's New Defensive Coordinator...

RELATED: Inside The Fort: Latest On Michigan Assistant Coaches

Michigan Wolverines football head coach Jim Harbaugh is eyeing Baltimore Ravens LBs coach Mike Macdonald for his defensive coordinator position.
Michigan Wolverines football head coach Jim Harbaugh is eyeing Baltimore Ravens LBs coach Mike Macdonald for his defensive coordinator position. (AP Images)
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Insight On Mike Macdonald's Time At Georgia

Georgia insider Anthony Dasher analyzes Mike Macdonald's time in Athens. Read his thoughts below.

• On Macdonald's role as a graduate assistant: "When he was a grad assistant, he was very highly thought of. I do recall that Ramik Wilson was one of the linebackers he spent a lot of time with ... I think he’s still playing pro ball. He’s a very good communicator, and always related well with the players. He was just very, very well-respected when he was here, before he went to the Ravens."

• His overall thoughts on Macdonald being hired at Michigan: "He’s always been very highly, highly thought of. When he left to the Ravens, everybody spoke really well about him. It’s no surprise to see him in this position.

"It’s just a unique spot for him, since he didn’t play college football. To coach in college, then the NFL, then go to Michigan, you don’t see that much, I’ll put it that way. He’s a very good coach and very detail-oriented, I do know that. He relates very well to the players. And it’ll be interesting to see what he does at Michigan. Again, very relatable, very energetic, and that was probably something Coach [Jim] Harbaugh was looking for.

Intel On Mike Macdonald's Tenure In Baltimore, The Ravens' Scheme & More

Baltimore Beatdown's Spencer Schultz breaks down Macdonald's tenure in Baltimore. Read his thoughts below.

• On Macdonald's demeanor when dealing with the media: "Macdonald is a professional, veteran, humble and well-liked coach. He’s not brash or over the top. His presence has always been direct and even keel. He’s the epitome of a professional in terms of engagement with the media, his diction and tone and the way he carries himself."

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