Strong coordinators
The Ravens signed Rex Ryan to a three-year contract reportedly worth $1.3 million to $1.5 million per season to become their new assistant head coach and defensive coordinator. The move ended weeks of speculation that Ryan might become a head coach or coordinator elsewhere.
With the signing of Ryan, the Ravens have two good coordinators in Ryan and Cam Cameron, who was signed as the team's offensive coordinator last week. The Ravens also announced that Clarence Brooks would return as the defensive line coach. Both Ryan and Cameron give the Ravens experience that should come in handy because this is John Harbaugh's first job as head coach.
Ryan also gives the Ravens continuity because he basically plays the same scheme implemented by former Ravens defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis back in 1996. It's pressure-oriented and relies on strong play by both cornerbacks. The players should be happy because they lobbied for Ryan to become the head coach after Brian Billick was fired at the end of the season.
Mike Preston has been with The Baltimore Sun since 1983. Prior to becoming a columnist in 2000, he covered the Ravens for four years. Preston is a native of Essex and a graduate of Towson State University, where he played football. 
Jamison Hensley covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun. 
Comments
Mike,
I was struck by Coach Harbaugh's reference to Special Teams Coordinator and emphasizing three units: offense, defense and special teams. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think any other team in the NFL has take the step to make their special teams coach a coordinator. Do you foresee this happening with the Ravens? Will they pay the STC like an OC or DC? Do you think Frank G. gets this job or will Coach Harbaugh go in a different direction?
Posted by: Doug | January 28, 2008 9:45 PM
I like the coordinators. At least Harbaugh has surrounded himself with good people.
Posted by: Neil | January 29, 2008 11:59 AM
Is there a chance that Rob Ryan gets hired as a defensive coach. If Rex leaves in the coming years for a head coaching job, Rob seems like best fit?
Posted by: joel | January 31, 2008 11:10 AM
That's simply wrong. The Marvin Lewis defenses were not pressure-based. They were bend-don't-break and focused on stopping the run and keeping teams to field goals. The 2000 defense only had 35 sacks, which ranked 22nd in the league that year. Ryan's defense is much more blitz-oriented and about taking chances.
Posted by: Marc | January 31, 2008 11:53 AM
John Harbaugh is off to a great start. At his introduction, he thanked Mr. Model for his advice; which was to surround himself with good people. Mission accomplished!
Posted by: David Monroe | January 31, 2008 2:40 PM