Ravens Unveil Four New Assistant Coach Appointments
The Baltimore Ravens have announced four new assistant coach appointments aimed at enhancing their coaching staff and overall team performance. The Ravens are looking to bolster their offense and defense as they prepare for the upcoming season.
New Assistant Coaches Overview
- Dwayne Ledford: Previously the offensive line coach for the Atlanta Falcons, Ledford has been instrumental in the team’s offensive success. He held the position since 2021 and served as run game coordinator for the last two seasons.
- Mike Mickens: A former coach at Notre Dame for six seasons, Mickens helped the Fighting Irish rank highly in national pass defense statistics.
- Tyler Santucci: Last year, Santucci focused on the Ravens’ inside linebackers. He was key in the development of several players, including Roquan Smith.
- Charlie Gelman: After serving as a football analyst with the Indianapolis Colts, Gelman returns to Baltimore where he first began his NFL career.
Dwayne Ledford’s Impact
Dwayne Ledford, at 49 years old, has a reputation as one of the top offensive line coaches in the NFL. His accomplishments with the Falcons included developing a top-10 rushing offense for three consecutive seasons. Ravens’ coach Minter expressed excitement about Ledford’s ability to enhance both running and passing plays for the team.
Mike Mickens’ Defensive Prowess
At 38, Mike Mickens joins the Ravens after a successful tenure at Notre Dame, where he contributed to a defense that ranked third nationally in 2023 and fourth in 2024. Minter praised Mickens for his excellent communication skills and competitive spirit, which are expected to elevate the Ravens’ secondary performance.
Retention of Tyler Santucci
Tyler Santucci joined the Ravens as the inside linebackers coach last season. He was pivotal in developing standout players, including Roquan Smith. Minter is thrilled to retain Santucci, noting his effectiveness and rising star status within the coaching community.
Charlie Gelman’s Return
Charlie Gelman spent three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts before returning to the Ravens. Minter highlighted Gelman’s smart and collaborative approach to coaching, anticipating significant contributions to the team’s strategies.
Conclusion
With these new appointments, the Baltimore Ravens are focusing on strategic improvements on both sides of the ball. The integration of experienced coaches is expected to enhance the team’s performance and foster a competitive edge in the upcoming NFL season.