Ravens’ New Defensive Coordinator, Zach Orr, Allegedly Declined Offer from Another NFL Team to Stay in Baltimore
Following the departure of former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, who took on the head coaching role with the Seahawks, the Baltimore Ravens opted to promote from within. They appointed Zach Orr, the inside linebackers coach and former Ravens linebacker, to succeed Macdonald. Despite an interview with the Green Bay Packers for their vacant defensive coordinator position, during which an offer was reportedly prepared for Orr, he ultimately decided to remain with the Ravens in the same capacity.
At 31 years old, Orr is recognized as an emerging talent in the realm of defensive coaching, having been in the NFL coaching ranks since 2017. He has specifically overseen the development of inside linebackers for the Ravens since 2022 and is widely credited for the success of Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen, acknowledged as one of the most formidable linebacker duos in the league. Both players earned Pro Bowl honors in 2023.
Under Orr’s coaching, the Ravens led the league in scoring defense and takeaways, conceding only six rushing touchdowns throughout the season. Orr’s journey includes going undrafted out of North Texas in 2014, signing with the Ravens that same year. Forced into retirement after the 2016 season due to the discovery of a congenital neck/spine condition, Orr seamlessly transitioned into coaching, staying loyal to the Ravens organization.
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