After playing alongside former All-Pro inside linebacker Zach Orr with the Baltimore Ravens in 2016, defensive tackle Michael Pierce will now be coached by his former teammate as Orr replaces Mike Macdonald as defensive coordinator.
Pierce was asked what he remembers about Orr as a player that signaled he could be a coach.
“I would say the thing that always stuck out about [defensive coordinator] Zach [Orr] is just how team oriented he was, [how] selfless he was, and then, when he got the opportunity, he became an All-Pro,” Pierce said. “So, not many people can have that trajectory, especially [for] being an undrafted guy. So, just [to] see how he worked and how he was diligent and waited patiently, just like his coaching career – I know his [playing] career was cut short due to something that he couldn’t control – but to see him rise through the ranks … Like I said, he was a brother of mine on the field eight years ago, so to see how he’s rising is awesome. That makes me want to play for him that much harder. I definitely enjoy to see him rise, and I think he’s doing a great job. I think we’ll play really hard for him.”
Pierce made the team after going undrafted in 2016, the same season that Orr—also previously undrafted—broke out and earned second-team All-Pro honors. This was the only season the two played together, as Orr had to walk away from the field due to a rare congenital spine condition.
Orr has big shoes to fill now in the prestigious role of defensive coordinator for the Ravens.