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Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and defensive coordinator Zachary Orr is heading to Seattle for a new coaching role. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Seattle Seahawks are hiring Orr as their inside linebackers coach, reuniting him with head coach Mike Macdonald.
Orr, who went undrafted out of North Texas before carving out an NFL career in Baltimore, now returns to the position group he once played and coached for the Ravens.
Zach Orr Rejoins Mike Macdonald in Seattle
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, “Seahawks are hiring former Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr as inside linebackers coach.” Schefter reported that Orr interviewed for multiple defensive coordinator jobs in recent weeks and had also been requested to interview for the Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive coordinator opening.
Instead, Orr elected to join the Seahawks and reunite with Macdonald. Macdonald previously served as Baltimore’s defensive coordinator before becoming Seattle’s head coach in 2024.
Macdonald had an interest in bringing Orr with him to Seattle earlier in his tenure. Two years later, that reunion is official. It is not yet clear what Orr’s hiring means for current Seahawks inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti.
Zach Orr’s Path From Undrafted Free Agent to NFL Coach
Orr began his football journey at North Texas, where he earned first- and second-team All-Conference USA honors as a linebacker. He played 46 collegiate games before signing with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2014.
He appeared in 46 NFL games over three seasons with Baltimore, including 15 starts in 2016. That year, Orr earned Second-Team All-Pro honors from the Associated Press.
After a neck injury ended his playing career, Orr transitioned into coaching. He began in 2017 and has accumulated nine years of NFL coaching experience. He served as Baltimore’s inside linebackers coach in 2022 and 2023 before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2024.
Ravens Defensive Success Under Orr
Per sources, Former Baltimore Ravens DC Zachary Orr is headed to the Seattle Seahawks as an inside linebackers coach. Orr will be reunited with Mike Macdonald who preceded him as Ravens DC.
He had a opportunity to take the same position in Dallas
During his first season as defensive coordinator in 2024, Orr oversaw one of the league’s top units. Baltimore led the NFL in rush defense, allowing 80.1 yards per game, and ranked first in yards per rush allowed at 3.6.
The Ravens were also second in sacks with 54 and second in quarterback hits with 115. The defense ranked in the top 10 in total defense at 324.1 yards per game, yards per play at 5.2, and scoring defense at 21.2 points allowed per game.
Over his two seasons leading the unit, Baltimore ranked second in the NFL in run defense EPA per play at minus-0.146.
After head coach John Harbaugh was fired in January, Orr explored defensive coordinator opportunities but ultimately chose to step into a position role in Seattle.
Additional Ravens Staff Join Seahawks
Orr is not the only former Baltimore assistant heading west. Schefter also reported that former Ravens director of football strategy and assistant quarterbacks coach Daniel Stern is joining Seattle in a role that is still to be determined. Stern could potentially serve as a pass-game strategist.
The Seahawks are also in the process of reshaping their offensive staff. Following Klint Kubiak’s departure to become head coach of the Raiders, Seattle is searching for a new offensive coordinator.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Seahawks are believed to be leaning toward an internal promotion and plan to interview four in-house candidates: quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko, run game specialist Justin Outten, tight ends coach Mack Brown, and passing game coordinator Jake Peetz.
Seattle blocked the Raiders’ request to interview Outten for their run game coordinator position. The Raiders also planned to interview Seahawks wide receivers coach Frisman Jackson for their offensive coordinator vacancy.
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