During the 2023 season, the Baltimore Ravens boasted one of the most formidable defenses, striking fear into opposing offenses. Former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald played a significant role in their success, but now the team looks to new defensive coordinator Zach Orr to lead the charge.
Star safety Marcus Williams discussed the upcoming season with NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger and Mike Garafolo on “The Insiders,” highlighting Orr’s influence: “He certainly commands respect in the locker room.”
Orr will embark on his first season as an NFL defensive coordinator in 2024, inheriting a team with aspirations of reaching the Super Bowl.
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— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) June 26, 2024
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“Williams expressed his deep respect for Orr, stating, ‘I have the utmost respect for him. The way he presents himself, carries himself, coaches us, and listens to whatever we have to say,’ in an interview with NFL Network.
Orr will have a wealth of experience to draw upon with a defense stacked with veteran talent and star players. Linebacker Roquan Smith, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, and safety Kyle Hamilton are among the top players in their respective positions on the defensive side of the ball.
The challenge for Orr will be to effectively position these players for success, though he will have ample support. Veteran leaders such as Williams and cornerback Marlon Humphrey will offer guidance and bolster the young coach’s efforts.”
Zach Orr faces a significant challenge in 2024, despite being just 32 years old—actually younger than some of his players. His NFL journey began in 2014 when he joined the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent linebacker. During his three seasons with the Ravens, Orr made a notable impact, earning recognition on the All-Pro Second Team.
However, Orr’s playing career was cut short due to a congenital neck/spine condition, leading him to transition to coaching in 2016. He spent the next several years with the Ravens, serving as a coaching and personnel assistant from 2017 to 2020. During this time, he worked closely with standout players like LB Terrell Suggs and Matthew Judon, gaining valuable experience in coaching and player development.
“He was very patient with me.” Roquan on his relationship with DC Zach Orr: pic.twitter.com/ZwMCIVk327
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 11, 2024
“Before rejoining Baltimore, Orr spent the 2021 season as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ outside linebackers coach,” as stated in his biography.
Upon his return to Baltimore in 2022, Orr assumed the role of inside linebackers coach under then-defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. Macdonald had gained acclaim as one of the NFL’s leading defensive strategists, guiding the Ravens’ defense to consecutive strong seasons and becoming a sought-after candidate in coaching circles.
Following Macdonald’s departure to become the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks after the 2023 season, the Ravens conducted a thorough search for his replacement. Ultimately, they chose Orr, who had been with the team in various coaching capacities, believing he was the best fit for the defensive coordinator role.
Marcus Williams expressed confidence in Zach Orr despite his age, highlighting Orr’s dedication and work ethic. When asked about Orr’s age compared to veteran players like Kyle Van Noy (33 years old), Williams emphasized that Orr’s commitment to hard work transcends age considerations, stating, “He comes in every day and puts in that time, that work. You know age is just a number.”
The 2023 Ravens boasted the league’s top-ranked defense in points allowed and ranked sixth in yards allowed, setting a high standard for Orr to maintain. Williams believes Orr possesses the mindset necessary for success, noting, “You put in that time and that effort to come out and be the best at your role as he did as a player, he’s gonna do as a coach.”
While Orr faces the challenge of leading a successful defense at a young age, Williams pointed out that young coaches have proven successful in the NFL. He emphasized Orr’s approach to coaching, stating, “He’s also not gonna hold back just because he feels that we’re about the same age. You know he’s still going to give you that good hard coaching.”
In summary, Williams’s remarks underscore his confidence in Orr’s ability to lead and coach effectively, regardless of his age, based on his dedication and approach to the job.