NFL News: Baltimore Ravens Aim For External Help In Vacant Defensive Coordinator Job

After deciding to part ways with longtime personnel and defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale last Friday, January 21, the Baltimore Ravens are surprisingly looking to bring in outside personnel.

Steve Wyche, a reporter and analyst for NFL Network, first broke the news that the Ravens have requested the Dallas Cowboys to interview secondary coach Joe Whitt to replace Martindale for the 2022-23 season, with the Seattle Seahawks also looking to bring him in.

It is a surprising development for the Super Bowl-winning franchise as previous trends point to them looking within their current batch of coaches and promoting them to such an important role within the team.

Spending a few seasons with the team and developing chemistry with the other coaches and, most importantly, the players had always been the Ravens’ M.O. for the longest time.

To see them look outside of the organization points to general manager Eric DeCosta and owner Steve Biscotti’s renewed desire to already bring someone in proven from another franchise.

Martindale had been with the Ravens since 2012 to help develop their linebacker group and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2018, but has failed in forming a stellar defense despite their personnel.

The Ravens, usually known for having a vaunted defense, had a particularly disappointing season under Martindale after putting up only nine interceptions and eight fumbles in the revamped 18-game season.

Whitt has the credentials to back him up in rejuvenating the Ravens’ defense.

The 43-year-old from Auburn, Alabama was a crucial piece of the puzzle with the Green Bay Packers as he guided the Packers’ defense to a league-leading total of 176 interceptions over his decade-long time with the franchise.

Whitt’s effect on the defense in Green Bay can be best exemplified by the 33 combined interceptions put up by cornerbacks Tramon Williams and Sam Shields from 2010 to 2014.

Bringing in someone from outside the organization does buck the trend of the Ravens’ longstanding policy, but it should give fans hope that they are going all-in for their future.

Baltimore struck gold in recent drafts when they decided to select strong safety Chuck Clark, cornerback Anthony Averett, linebackers Tyus Bowser and Patrick Queen, as well as defensive end Odafe Oweh.

The Ravens were riddled with injuries, but their defensive group showed signs of promise that helped anchor them for the better part of the season.

Having Whitt on the sidelines could be the piece that they need to turn things around, and Ravens fans are eagerly waiting to see how the situation plays out.