Taking on new responsibilities as a defensive coordinator might be an intimidating chore for those who haven’t run the show before. That’s not how new Michigan assistant Mike Macdonald sees it, though.

Macdonald joined the Michigan staff after Jim Harbaugh decided to part ways with previous defensive coordinator Don Brown. After spending the last seven seasons in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens, Macdonald brings plenty of experience as an assistant to Ann Arbor.

But what Macdonald hasn’t done is call the defense. That will be a new role for the first-time defensive coordinator, but it’s one he believes he’s ready to handle.

“I have had a very big influence in what we’re calling and when throughout my history,” Macdonald said, per Angelique Chengelis of The Detroit News. “So I do feel comfortable putting together a game plan.”

Macdonald is part of a staff at Michigan that will be one of the youngest in college football. All 10 assistants are under the age of 40, and the average age of the staff is just over 35. Harbaugh is hoping that brings fresh life to a program that struggled mightily last year.

The Wolverines were just 2-4 in 2020.

There will be plenty of questions about the defense under the new regime. None will probably be answered until a few games into the season. Macdonald is comfortable with his new position, though.

Having some hand in calling a defense at the NFL level should prove to be a beneficial experience for his new job in Ann Arbor.