Harbaugh: "We're Still the Ravens, Right?"

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

“Greg is a guy that I have full trust and belief in, and not just because of his track record,” Harbaugh said. “He's been successful at every stop, but the job he did this year with our guys, I think he established himself as a premier coach in the NFL.”

Mattison takes over a defense that emerged as one of the league’s best since Ryan replaced Mike Nolan after he was hired as head coach by San Francisco in 2004. In the past four seasons, the Ravens never finished lower than sixth in yards allowed.

The Ravens allowed 261 yards per game last year, which only trailed Pittsburgh (237). The Ravens, however, led the league with 34 takeaways and three players recorded at least 100 tackles: Ray Lewis, Bart Scott and Terrell Suggs.

“You have to be an attacking defense,” Mattison said. “Obviously, that’s been the M.O. of the defense here for years. In looking at what we do defensively, we don’t plan on changing a great deal. It’s not broken, by any means.”

Vic Fangio, who spent the past three seasons as special assistant to the head coach, was promoted to linebackers coach. Fangio, who has coached for 24 seasons in the NFL, has served as defensive coordinator for three teams—Panthers, Colts and Texans—for a total of 11 years. 

Offensively, the Ravens signed Kelley Washington to bolster one of the league’s worst receiving units. At 35, Derrick Mason still is the team’s unquestioned leader after making 80 catches for 1,037 yards and five touchdowns.

Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams—the team’s next best receivers—collectively made 54 receptions for 875 yards and four touchdowns.

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