Ravens fast-rising coordinator on fast track to becoming one of NFL’s best

The Baltimore Ravens have an elite coaching tree during their 29-year history. Coordinators such as Rex Ryan, Marvin Lewis, and Chuck Pagano went on to have head coaching careers after spending time in Baltimore. Mike Macdonald was the most recent case, signing a six-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks in 2024, and he is already becoming one of the league’s best coaches.

Baltimore has had several head coaching candidates in the last couple of years. Most notably, offensive coordinator Todd Monken and special teams coordinator Chris Horton have popped up in conversations for jobs. While the two continue to showcase innate knowledge worthy of becoming a head coach, Baltimore’s biggest rising star could be a defensive mind.

Zach Orr is destined for greatness in 2025

It is no secret that the Ravens' defense struggled mightily for most of 2024. They were one of the leakiest passing defenses in the league over the 17-game slate. However, Orr eventually adjusted, and after making some changes to the starting eleven, the unit morphed into one of the best in the final six games.

The Ravens loaded up on talent along the defensive side heading into 2025. Potential stars include rookies Malaki Starks and Mike Green and two-time Pro Bowler Jaire Alexander. The team also dropped some dead weight in safety Marcus Williams and cornerback Brandon Stephens. With the revamped defense, Orr should put together a full season of strong play top to bottom, and he might be the biggest breakout candidate on the coaching side.

This offseason, Orr has been receiving high praise everywhere you look. His fellow coaches and players love him, and it is easy to see why he is on track to put together a strong season in 2025. During OTAs, pass rush coach Chuck Smith highlighted what makes Orr different.

“Zach Orr truly led the charge. I’m a witness to it,” Smith said. “Dude is the truth. Dude didn’t flinch and dude is going to be one of the best coordinators in the league. He is smart, he is a leader…Zach Orr was the one who changed what we did last year.”

Facing some of the best offenses, especially teams in the AFC like the Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs, and Buffalo Bills, is challenging for a first-year defensive coordinator. However, Orr's ability to develop the team’s defensive philosophy throughout the season was special. 

The drastic turnaround should encourage people on how this defense will look in the second season under Orr. If he can continue to develop and adjust, it could quickly catch the attention of head coach needy teams. Regardless, the Ravens have another young rising coordinator leading the defense, and 2025 should be exciting.

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