Tag: Zach Orr

Packers requested to interview Ravens ILB coach Zach Orr for DC position

The Green Bay Packers have requested permission to interview Baltimore Ravens inside linebackers coach Zach Orr

The Ravens could be in jeopardy of losing three defensive coaches in the coming days as Mike Macdonald, Anthony Weaver, and Zach Orr are receiving interest.

Orr is a fast-rising star in the coaching ranks, and the Packers want to see how he’d fit as their defensive coordinator.

The 31-year-old Orr has been on the Ravens staff since 2017 and spent one season with the Jaguars and Urban Meyer in 2021.

An undrafted player from North Texas, Orr was an inside linebacker with the Ravens for three seasons (2014-16) before he was forced to retire due to a neck/spine condition. During his final season in 2016, Orr had his best year and became a starter with 133 tackles, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries.

Packers to interview Ravens ILB coach Zach Orr for defensive coordinator job

The Packers will interview Baltimore Ravens inside linebackers coach Zach Orr for the team’s open defensive coordinator job, per NFL Network. 

The Green Bay Packers will interview Baltimore Ravens inside linebackers coach Zach Orr for the team’s open defensive coordinator job, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Orr, an All-Pro linebacker for the Ravens during his playing career, has been a coach at the NFL level since 2017. He’s only 31 years old but a rising star.

Orr has coached the inside linebackers for the Ravens since 2022. He helped turn Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen into the game’s best linebacker pair during a dominant 2023 season that saw Smith and Queen both make the Pro Bowl.

Collectively, the Ravens led the NFL in scoring defense and takeaways and allowed only six rushing touchdowns in 2023.

Orr was previously the outside linebackers coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 and a defensive analyst for the Ravens from 2017-2020.

Orr, who went undrafted out of North Texas in 2014, retired from football early due to a neck condition.

The Packers’ interview list is now up to six reported candidates. Orr joins defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson among the Ravens coaches to interview in Green Bay. Packers Wire is tracking all the interviews here.

Ravens DL Michael Pierce shares excitement about reuniting with teammates, coaches in Baltimore

Ravens defensive lineman Michael Pierce talked about being back with the team

The Baltimore Ravens signed defensive lineman Michael Pierce in 2022 free agency to a three-year $16.5 million dollar contract. He returns to the team for his second stint after a short stay with the Minnesota Vikings, who he inked a three-year contract with during the 2020 offseason, but was cut before the duration of the contract finished.

Pierce spoke to the media after a training camp practice and answered a plethora of different questions. He went into detail about what it feels like to be back in Baltimore and reunite with members of the organization, sayin git feels like a homecoming for him.

“It’s just, like I said, when I first came back in a bunch of interviews, it’s the people around the building. You obviously know your teammates, ‘TJ’ [Tony Jefferson II], Marlon [Humphrey], Ronnie [Stanley], Lamar [Jackson] etcetera, etcetera, Gus [Edwards] and all of those guys. But just the rapport I had with our coaching staff, obviously we know who Coach ‘Harbs’ [head coach John Harbaugh] is. [Defensive coordinator] Mike Macdonald was the linebackers coach at the time, but having familiarity with him, I played with [inside linebackers coach] Zach Orr, [Anthony] Levine, we can just go on and on about those guys. But like I said, seeing Manny and Shorty in the cafeteria again, [team clinician] Dr. Tricia [Bent-Goodley], ‘Ms. Val’ [Valerie Wideman], [team chaplain] Johnny [Shelton]. I have a really, really special relationship with all of those people. So, it’s like a homecoming for me. So, that was a no-brainer.”

Pierce is expected to replace a lot of what former Baltimore defensive tackle Brandon Williams did for the team, but over the past few years he he hasn’t played a ton of football. He only suited up for six games during the 2021 season as a member of the Vikings after opting out of 2020. Pierce is looking for a comeback season to prove to the rest of the NFL that he still has plenty left in the tank, and should have a sizable role on the Ravens’ defensive unit.

Ravens ILB coach Zach Orr ‘thankful’ to rejoin team as a coach

Ravens inside linebackers coach Zach Orr is happy to reunite with the team as an NFL coach

The Baltimore Ravens are known as one of the classiest organizations in the league, which makes them a popular destination for players and coaches to want to work. Some former players have even returned to the team to fill coaching vacancies.

In February, it was announced the Ravens added former inside linebacker Zach Orr to their coaching staff as their new inside linebackers coach after the departure of Rob Ryan. Orr spent his three NFL seasons as a player with Baltimore, so he knows the organization well.

Speaking to the media, Orr was asked what his thought process was when he had the opportunity to come back to Baltimore. Orr detailed his relationship with some of the higher-ups in the organization and was thankful to come back where his career began.

“I was excited. I was hoping that – I came in for an interview – and I was hoping that I did a good job. I was able to get the job and I’m thankful for coming back. That’s part of doing a good job here previously. Building a relationship with, obviously Coach [John] Harbaugh, with [defensive coordinator] Mike [Macdonald], with [executive vice president and general manger] Eric [DeCosta], with the whole organization. So, when they called me and they were interested I was excited, pumped to come back because this is home. This is home for me, and even though I was at another place, I still paid attention closely, because I have a lot of good friends in this building. So, I was excited to come back, and I wanted to be back once they called me. So, it was a great opportunity. I’m glad it worked out.”

Orr announced his retirement from playing at the age of 24 after he was diagnosed with a congenital back/spine condition. The inside linebacker certainly made his presence known on the field when he played. Through 46 games, Orr notched163 combined tackles, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble. and one sack.

Ravens ILB coach Zach Orr reveals what ILB Patrick Queen can do to become every-down player

Ravens inside linebacker coach Zach Orr discusses what Patrick Queen can do to become an every-down player

The Baltimore Ravens are expecting big things from inside linebacker Patrick Queen over the course of the 2022 season. The third-year player has had somewhat of an up-and-down career during his first two years in the NFL, but has strung together some very solid play at times and has also shown an immense amount of potential.

When discussing Queen with the Baltimore media following a session of voluntary organized team activities, inside linebackers coach Zach Orr was asked about what the former LSU can do to become an every-down player. Orr discussed how Queen can work to get better in multiple different areas, but that he’s also proven everything to be that kind of player.

“Just continue to work and get better. I mean, I think he has all the ability, he’s done everything, he’s proven everything to be an every-down linebacker, so we anticipate him doing that for us. But, just as any player, he can continue to get better in the run game, pass game, as a blitzer, just everything like that, because he’s still young. He’s only going into his third year, so it’s a lot that he’s going to learn – being in his third year this year – that’s going to help him out. But I’m really excited about ‘PQ,’ and I think you just see the dedication that he has. It’s good when you combine talent [and] commitment from a player, and then people who want to get better. So, ‘PQ,’ is out here, he wants to get better, and I think he’s showing everything he needs to do to be a three-down linebacker, and now, it’s just [him continuing] to sharpen those tools in every aspect.”

Orr also mentions that with Queen being so young he still has a lot to learn, which is true. Entering his third season, the linebacker has shown that he is hungry to be the best player that he can be, and has worked to improve in a multitude of ways. Over his first two seasons in the league he has accumulated 204 total tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries as well as one interception, and he’ll look to build off of that success moving forward.

Ravens ILB coach Zach Orr sees improvement in ILB Patrick Queen

Ravens inside linebackers coach Zach Orr sees inside linebacker Patrick Queen improving

The performance of the Baltimore Ravens’ defense in 2021 is one that many would like to forget. Multiple injuries hurt the team at the beginning of the year, and they kept on coming throughout the season. However, with players returning and many focused on the future, last year becomes just a blip on the radar.

Following organized team activities on Wednesday, inside linebackers coach Zach Orr spoke to the media. During his interaction with the press, one player he told the media he saw improving and could become one of the best linebackers in the league was inside linebacker Patrick Queen.

“Man, I mean, when I first got back up here, I cut on the film, watched every game, watched every play, [and I saw that] ‘PQ’ [Patrick Queen] got a lot better. He got a lot better from his rookie year to now, as far as understanding offenses, understanding defenses, understanding the NFL game. He became a way better run defender. He wasn’t bad as a rookie, but you could see he took a step in that area, [and] even in pass defense. We always knew how explosive he was as a blitzer. So, he got better in all aspects, and he’s continued to get better. I mean, the sky is the limit for him. That’s the thing – God touched ‘PQ’ [with] natural ability, and he works hard at it. Obviously, you see he’s out here every single day, and we just continue to try to work and get him better and better, because I honestly believe that [if] he continues to get better, continues to grow, continues to work on the little details, he can be one of the best linebackers in the National Football League.”

Orr has a strong point. Queen has been considered by many to have immense potential as an NFL linebacker, and he’s been able to show flashes throughout his two years at the professional level so far. If he can put it all together in year three, he could have a true breakout season in 2022, which would benefit the Baltimore defense tremendously.

Through his first two years in the NFL, Queen has notched 204 combined tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and a touchdown.

 

Ravens officially announce five coaching hires

The Ravens officially announced multiple coaching hires

The Baltimore Ravens have been on quite the coaching carousel during the start of the 2022 offseason. They replaced their now-former defensive coordinator Don Martindale with the University of Michigan’s Mike Macdonald, and have seen other coaches leave for other opportunities, creating holes on their staff.

On Wednesday, Baltimore officially announced the hires of five coaches in inside linebackers coach Zach Orr, outside linebackers coach Rob Leonard, tight ends coach George Godsey, defensive quality control coach Ryan Osborn and assistant offensive line coach Mike Devlin.

All five hires were previously reported, so they didn’t come as much of a shock. They will be tasked with working to help their players become the best that they can be, and each brings valuable and unique experiences to Baltimore.

Ravens reportedly let go of ILB coach Rob Ryan, exploring adding Zach Orr as replacement

The Baltimore Ravens reportedly let go of inside linebackers coach Rob Ryan and are looking at Zach Orr as a potential replacement

The Baltimore Ravens have already gone through one major coaching shakeup this offseason as they parted ways with defensive coordinator Don Martindale and replaced him with former University of Michigan defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. The hire of Macdonald was applauded by many, as it could be what the Baltimore defense needs to take their game to the next level.

On Thursday, it was reported that the Ravens were making a change at another coaching position on their defense, letting go of inside linebackers coach Rob Ryan, and Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reported that the team is exploring adding Jacksonville Jaguars coach Zach Orr to their staff as his replacement.

Orr played for three seasons in Baltimore as an inside linebacker and turned into one of the best young defenders in all of football. However, he suffered a career-ending neck/spine condition, and went into coaching with the team right after his playing days ended. He worked as a defensive analyst with the team from 2017-2020, but then was hired away by Jacksonville.

Report: Former Ravens LB turned coach Zach Orr interviewing for Jaguars’ LB coach job

The Baltimore Ravens appear to be on the precipice of losing yet another coach this offseason as Zach Orr is interviewing with the Jaguars.

Come on down to Coach-Mart where you can find your new coaching staff.

At least that’s what the start of this offseason must feel like for the Baltimore Ravens, who appear as though they’ll have a coach poached from their ranks yet again. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Jacksonville Jaguars are interviewing former Ravens linebacker turned defensive coaching analyst Zach Orr as their new linebackers coach.

If Orr is indeed hired by Jacksonville, he’ll be reunited with Joe Cullen, who took the defensive coordinator job this offseason as well. Cullen had been Baltimore’s defensive line coach since 2016 before joining Urban Meyer’s coaching staff with the Jaguars.

Fans might better remember Orr not for his coaching ability but for what he did on the field in a helmet and pads. Orr was with the Ravens for three seasons as a linebacker, starting 15 games in his final season in 2016 before retiring due to a congenital spine condition. Orr had been a quickly rising star in Baltimore prior to his retirement, notching three interceptions, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, 133 tackles, and six tackles for a loss in his final season.

If Orr is hired by Jacksonville, he’s set to be the fifth coach to leave Baltimore this offseason, and the fourth on the defensive side of the ball. Orr will join the likes of Cullen, Mike Macdonald, Jesse Minter, and David Culley in leaving for a promotion this offseason. While the Ravens have filled three of their vacancies already, they’ll have a little more work added to their plate this offseason.

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