Ravens' Coaches: It Takes Three to Make a Thing Go Right

A revamping has happened within the Baltimore Ravens’ franchise and it was crystal clear during the 2008 NFL season. This obvious change exemplified a team unified and not an offensive unit on one side, and then a defensive unit on the other. The new look made for some special football moments. You have to credit the team’s coaching staff for getting this squad to buy in and for the drastic turnaround. 

You can’t talk about this team’s makeover without first talking about head coach, John Harbaugh. As the former special teams’ coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, Harbaugh brought his experience and love for the game to the Ravens. Coming from a pedigree of coaches, he came in and transformed the thinking and attitude of the Ravens, even going as far as reassigning lockers to break up cliques. It was apparent that he wanted to develop winners and not just have a team that had been winners in the past.

But, you know that with every good coach, there’s an even better supporting cast… Well, in most cases, right? Harbaugh had the Bentley of offensive and defensive coaches at his disposal, during the 2008 season, as they crafted up plays and molded players into performing machines.

For me, the Ravens’ success was heightened with defensive guru, Rex Ryan. As the defensive coordinator for the Ravens for 10 years and pedigreed as well, Ryan was promoted to assistant head coach once Harbaugh took over. Being the instructor of the once No. 1 defense, Ryan once admitted that football was the only thing he was mentally strong in; hence the passion and drive. And, although he has moved on to being head coach of the New York Jets, his defensive prowess remains and with a newly added offensive piece, the Ravens are destined for success.

This offensive coaching addition, Cam Cameron, was highly sought after coming from the Miami Dolphins and is considered an offensive genius. How he has turned the offense around in astounding form is nothing short of a miracle, especially with the highly publicized inept offense. Also pedigreed, Cameron is one of the top quarterback tutors in the game and extremely disciplined to boot.

The consistent threads with these coaches are their pedigree and love of the game. Together with aggressive play calling and excellent decision making, they orchestrated the Ravens’ 11-5 record and then helped them to get to the AFC Championship game during the 2008 season. They all live and eat football, which is good for a team that has a hunger for another championship.