The Ravens’ defense improved down the stretch last season, but the secondary left much to be desired. To improve defense, Baltimore is hiring a defensive guru, Chuck Pagano, as senior secondary coach.
ESPN reports that Pagano, 64, is returning to Baltimore after a four-year retirement. In 2011, he served as defensive coordinator. He will look to help a Ravens defense that allowed 237.4 yards passing per game, ranked 26th in the NFL.
“Chuck brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and coaching talent to our team,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “He has deep ties to the program and is excited to get to work.”
Last season, defensive coordinator Zach Orr had Dean Pees return to the franchise as a senior advisor in October, which helped turn around the Baltimore defense midway through the season.
In 2011, Pagano became the defensive coordinator for the Ravens, who ranked No. 3 in yards allowed and points allowed that season. Pagano parlayed that success into the Colts’ head coach from 2012 to 2017, compiling a 56-46 (.549) record, including the playoffs. He then was the Chicago Bears’ defensive coordinator for two seasons before announcing his retirement in July 2021, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family.
