The Seattle Seahawks have added a familiar face to their coaching staff, hiring former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Zachary Orr as their inside linebackers coach, sources confirmed Friday. The move reunites Orr with Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks’ head coach and his longtime colleague from Baltimore.
Orr, 33, spent the last two seasons as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator before the team dismissed coach John Harbaugh and overhauled its staff this offseason. He had been among candidates interviewed for NFL defensive coordinator openings, including interest from the Las Vegas Raiders and reportedly the Dallas Cowboys, but opted to join Macdonald’s staff in Seattle for the 2026 season.
The Seattle hire continues a strong coaching pipeline between the Seahawks and Ravens. Macdonald, who led Baltimore’s defense before becoming Seattle’s head coach in 2024, initially expressed interest in bringing Orr onto his Seahawks staff early in his tenure. At the time, Orr remained in Baltimore and was later elevated to defensive coordinator.
In a farewell message posted on social media, Orr thanked the Ravens organization and reflected on his time in Baltimore, saying he cherished “the brotherhood, fellow coaches, players making plays, division title, playoff win, etc.” before turning his focus to his new role in Seattle.
Orr’s hiring creates questions about the future of current Seahawks inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti, who had held that position for the past two seasons. It also strengthens Seattle’s defensive coaching ranks following the franchise’s Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots.
A former undrafted linebacker who played for the Ravens, Orr has steadily climbed the coaching ladder since transitioning from playing after a career-ending neck injury. He began his coaching career in Baltimore in 2017 and has also spent time on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ staff.
The Seahawks, who are also evaluating candidates for offensive coordinator following Klint Kubiak’s departure, now bring Orr’s experience back into a familiar defensive scheme that Macdonald has cultivated since he arrived in Seattle.
