Ravens HC John Harbaugh addresses losing key members of staff
The Ravens have lost a few key pieces of their staff to begin the offseason after an impressive 2023 campaign that ended with a loss to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.
Head coach John Harbaugh has since shared his thoughts on the rest of the league taking from what Baltimore has built.
"These are good problems to have because you know you're doing well. ... I think the whole defensive staff was phenomenal this year," Harbaugh told reporters. "So, I'm proud of that. That's something that, as a coach, you look back on and go, "Man, we worked together, all of us, to build something really special."
The Ravens lost defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, who is joining the Seahawks as their new head coach, and defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson, who is leaving to become the Titans' new defensive coordinator.
Macdonald and Wilson played large roles in the success of Baltimore's defense, which allowed the fewest points per game (16.5) and recorded the most sacks (60) and takeaways (31) in 2023.
They are big losses for the Ravens, but Harbaugh believes the team will be just fine after promoting inside linebackers coach Zach Orr to be its new defensive coordinator.
"Opportunities are going to happen. Dennard [Wilson]'s got an opportunity now to go be the defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans. Zach has an opportunity to be the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens," Harbaugh said. "I'm going to lean on those guys and trust those guys and empower those guys to build a great defense."
Although Baltimore seems like it'll be just fine, Harbaugh may not be done losing members of his staff quite yet.
Assistant head coach and defensive line coach Anthony Weaver has gained interest from several teams searching for new head coaches this offseason. And while he didn't get a head-coaching job, he is still in the running for a promotion elsewhere.
"He's still involved with the Dolphins defensive coordinator job," Harbaugh added. "If he gets that job, I'll be happy for him, if he takes the job. I don't know if he'll even take it if he gets offered."
Whether Weaver joins the Ravens' growing list of goodbyes remains unknown. But the team has some big decisions to make with the hope of still playing this time next year.
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