The Ravens quickly replaced Mike Macdonald as defensive coordinator, promoting inside linebackers coach Zachary Orr.
Orr, who played for the Ravens from 2014-2016, is a fast-rising star in the coaching ranks.
We have named Zach Orr our new Defensive Coordinator ‼️ pic.twitter.com/IA2RiE5Yct
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) February 1, 2024
The 31-year-old Orr has been on the Ravens staff since 2017, save for one season with the Jaguars and Urban Meyer in 2021.
An undrafted player from North Texas, Orr was forced to retire because of a neck/spine condition. During his final season in 2016, Orr had his best year, finishing with 133 tackles, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries.
The Ravens introduced Orr to the media on Tuesday, and here are 11 takeaways from the presser.
Ravens players react
Orr was a tough linebacker, and during that final year of his career, played like a taller version of Roquan Smith.
Ro and other players offered their support and insight into who Zach Orr is as a man and a coach.
Zach Orr’s introductory news conference is set to start. Via the team, here are some comments from current Ravens players.
Roquan Smith: “I have an immense amount of respect for ‘ZO’ and the way he goes about work, day in and day out.” pic.twitter.com/oEzlSVruF0
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) February 6, 2024
Zach Orr on his journey
Woody Allen once said: ‘If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.’
The talented linebacker had the expectation that he’d spend a decade plus in the NFL before transitioning to the Scholastic world as a high school coach.
#Ravens new DC Zach Orr thought he’d play 10-15 years in the NFL, retire and coach high school football. #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/EqPnfeHbVL
— Brian Wacker (@brianwacker1) February 6, 2024
Zach Orr on Ozzie Newsome
Fame GM and former NFL tight end Ozzie Newsome played a part in Orr’s transition to coaching, and he offered some realistic advice prior to the linebacker entering the coaching field.
"When I first got back here to coach, Ozzie was like 'Alright now, you know these hours are different!'"
Zach Orr on who he leaned on in the transition to coaching: pic.twitter.com/NdJykckGHI
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) February 6, 2024
Zach Orr on interview process
While Mike Macdonald was formulating his exit strategy to Seattle, Orr interviewed with John Harbaugh on a Monday and Tuesday, quickly moving along in the process.
DC Zach Orr on his interview process: pic.twitter.com/JM95TcS4xi
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) February 6, 2024
Zach Orr on calling plays for the first time
Orr will call place as the defensive coordinator, and he’ll make those calls from the sidelines.
Orr said it was three years ago when he started watching film and broke it down with the mindset of a coordinator.
New DC Zach Orr on calling plays for the first time: pic.twitter.com/X0ZAQGS3pZ
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) February 6, 2024
Orr on looking in his players eyes
Orr is a former linebacker, so he’ll approach the role as defensive coordinator with a different energy.
He addressed that process, and why he’ll call plays from the sidelines.
"I've got to be on the field. I've got to look players in the eyes."
DC Zach Orr on where he'll call plays from: pic.twitter.com/D4u8FiepSk
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) February 6, 2024
Zach Orr on his style of defense
Zach Orr on what he wants the identify of the Ravens defense to be: “violent” and “organized chaos.” pic.twitter.com/Imi2f17kga
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) February 6, 2024
Orr has used the phrase “organized chaos”, and playing violently when it comes to his brand of defense.
"I want it to be violent," new Ravens DC Zach Orr said with a nod, describing his brand of defense.
That's something the ILBs he coached this season, Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen mentioned all year. Orr also added unity between all 11 players.
— Giana Han (@giana_jade) February 6, 2024
Zach Orr on acquiring a record setting defense
The Ravens became the first team in NFL history to lead the league in points allowed (16.5 per game), sacks (60) and turnovers (31).
Orr talked about following up Macdonald and taking over such a successful defense.
Zach Orr on building upon a record-setting season for the defense: pic.twitter.com/XOWTq3eKEa
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) February 6, 2024
Orr on becoming NFL's youngest DC
At 31. Zach Orr is the NFL’s second-youngest coordinator.
“For me, I don’t personally pay attention to age.” pic.twitter.com/oV3q6KXJ5x
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) February 6, 2024
Orr on current priorities
Baltimore lost Dennard Wilson (Titans DC), Anthony Weaver (Dolphins DC), Corey Krawiec (Ravens player evaluation and analytics manager), and Joe Hortiz.
Orr will have to replace himself as inside linebackers coach, although he could keep a dual-role.
Orr on his current priorities: "We got to get ready to get some more coaches in here."
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) February 6, 2024
Orr on what he'll take from Mike Macdonald
Zach Orr said he "definitely" wants to build on Mike Macdonald's defensive scheme and rules this offseason.
But the offseason offers a lot of time to self-study, and the Ravens will try to stay ahead of the curve.
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) February 6, 2024
Orr on breaking the news to his family
"They were fired up. More than anything, my family gets to see the work behind the scenes I put in."
Zach Orr on telling his family the news: pic.twitter.com/1im3uTpAcC
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) February 6, 2024
Orr on his loyalty to the Ravens
Orr suffered a neck injury after signing a huge new deal, and becoming one of the NFL’s top young linebackers.
Rather than discard the heartbroken player, Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens embraced Orr, helping him transition to the coaching profession.
Orr talked about the loyalty to Baltimore and the community.
"That's why I tell people all the time, I bleed purple and black… I'm coaching for the organization that had my back."
Zach Orr on when his playing career ended unexpectedly: pic.twitter.com/IKrMANNzML
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) February 6, 2024
Orr on the role Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti played after he retired
Zach Orr on the phone call he got from Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti when he retired pic.twitter.com/WlOEY8YNIB
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) February 6, 2024
