The Baltimore Ravens went through some coaching changes during the 2021 offseason. Former defensive line coach Joe Cullen left to be the defensive coordinator of the Jacksonville Jaguars, while former linebackers coach Mike MacDonald is now the defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan.
Despite Baltimore’s losses on their defensive staff, the team added new coaches that they feel can contribute to the growth and development of their players. On a call with season ticket holders, defensive coordinator Don Martindale had high praise for multiple new coaches on the team, including linebackers coach Rob Ryan
Ravens DC Wink Martindale on new ILB coach Rob Ryan: "I’m going to tell you right: the inside linebackers will play better than what they have in the last two years because he’s that good of a coach and he’s going to make that big of a difference."
Good news for Patrick Queen.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) May 19, 2021
Martindale also commented on former Ravens player and now defensive line coach and run game coordinator Anthony Weaver, who he expects to have a bright future ahead of him.
Ravens DC Wink Martindale on Anthony Weaver, the new defensive line coach and run game coordinator: "Don’t be surprised two years down the road that he’s a head coach."
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) May 19, 2021
Another coach to draw praise from Martindale was outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins, who will be expected to work with and develop young prospects such as Odafe Oweh and Daelin Hayes.
Ravens DC Wink Martindale on OLB coach Drew Wilkins: "He’s the young star that no one knows about."
Martindale added, "He studies tape like I've never seen another coach in my career study tape."
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) May 19, 2021
Baltimore has long been regarded as a coaching factory, so the team no stranger to losing coaches to other opportunities. However, part of what makes the Ravens such a great organization is the fact that they replace their departed coaches with great new ones. The Ravens are excited about their most recent hires, and each new member of their staff should make an immediate impact on the team and it’s players.