The Baltimore Ravens will enter the 2024 NFL regular season with heavy hearts. On Sunday morning, it was reported that offensive line coach Joe D’Allesandris passed away. A little over a week ago, it was reported that the 70-year-old coach had to be hospitalized with what was described as an acute illness that would require weeks and weeks of treatment.
Tragedy: #Ravens OL coach Joe D’Alessandris passed away this morning at age 70.
D’Alessandris has coached offensive linemen in college and pro football since the 1970s. RIP. pic.twitter.com/03YXPnzihg
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 25, 2024
At the time of his hospitalization, the Ravens hired George Warhop to fill in as their offensive line coach.
“Coach D’Alessandris is widely respected and cherished in our organization,” head coach John Harbaugh had said at the time. “As he focuses on his health, we offer him unwavering support.”
D’Allesandris was preceded in death by his wife, Toni Mayfield, who passed away on May 4, 2022. The couple had three daughters and four grandchildren.
Baltimore Ravens OL Coach Joe D’Allesandris Was Highly Successful and Respected Around the NFL
D’Allesandris was a 45-year coaching veteran who made a positive impact on every team that he spent time with. He was first hired into the NFL by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2008. During that time, offensive guard Brian Waters made his first Pro Bowl and running back Jamaal Charles had his first 1,000+ rushing season.
In 2010, he was hired by the Buffalo Bills where his offensive line consistently was among teams that allowed the fewest sacks in the league. In 2011, for example the Bills allowed just 23 sacks, the lowest total in the NFL that year.
After a successful three-year stint with the Los Angeles Chargers, D’Allesandris was hired by Baltimore, with whom he had spent the last eight seasons. During his tenure, he helped Tyler Linderbaum, Ronnie Stanley and Orlando Brown Jr. all reach Pro Bowl status as offensive linemen.
Since his arrival, the Ravens have consistently had one of the top rushing offenses in the NFL. Even when the line has been beleaguered by injuries, D’Allesandris has had his backups ready to plug and play.
The Ravens organization, and the NFL in general, lost one of its best coaching minds today, indeed.
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