It’s no secret the Baltimore Ravens dominated on defense this season. The identity of the Ravens has long been defense, dating back to Ray Lewis’ debut in 1996. Like many years before, Baltimore wreaked havoc this season with their defense, allowing just 16.5 points per game, the lowest average in football. Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald parlayed his unit’s success into the Seattle Seahawks head coaching job. Head coach John Harbaugh wasted no time finding Macdonald’s successor, with the AFC North club naming insider linebackers coach Zach Orr as the new defensive coordinator, per NFL insider Ari Meirov.
The #Ravens have named Zach Orr as their new DC, replacing Mike Macdonald. The former Ravens linebacker who retired early from playing due to a neck injury has been serving as the team’s ILBs coach and has had a fast rise. Just 31 years old, and now the DC in Baltimore. pic.twitter.com/xm19abmwuo
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 1, 2024
Macdonald leaves Baltimore after two seasons. However, the Ravens ranked in the top ten in fewest yards and points allowed in each of his two seasons with the franchise.
Zach Orr: Replacing Mike Macdonald
Orr, a former standout at North Texas, joined the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2014. He spent three seasons with the Ravens, including carving out a starting role in 2016. He registered 133 tackles, six TFLs, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries while earning second-team All-Pro honors. However, Orr announced his retirement near the end of the season, citing a congenital neck issue.
The Virginia native quickly turned to coaching, joining his former club as a defensive analyst under head coach John Harbaugh. He spent three years as an analyst before darting for the Jacksonville Jaguars, becoming the outside linebackers coach. After one season in Florida, he returned to Baltimore, rejoining Harbaugh and serving as the team’s inside linebackers coach. After working two seasons with then-defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, he became Baltimore’s newest defensive play-caller on Thursday.
Baltimore Ravens: Looking for Repeat Season Under Zach Orr
The Ravens flashed excellence on defense this season, holding their opponents to under 20 points per game 13 times. They held opposing passers to 4.7 net yards per attempt, the lowest mark in the NFL. They also posted top-five rankings in the fewest rushing touchdowns allowed, the fewest passing touchdowns allowed, and the most interceptions forced. Linebacker Roquan Smith and safety Kyle Hamilton earned Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors for their play this season. Meanwhile, defensive tackle Justin Madubike also made the Pro Bowl after a 13-sack season.
Orr will look to continue a dominant run from the Baltimore defense. The Ravens have placed inside the top ten in the fewest points against per game in every season except one since 2016.
For More Football News:
Follow me on Twitter at @alec_musa. You can also reach out to me via email at musaalec@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest college and NFL news, click here!