Ravens lose defensive coordinator to Colts
The Baltimore Ravens will need a new defensive coordinator, their third in four years, after Chuck Pagano agreed become the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.
The 51-year-old Pagano will be introduced by Indianapolis on Thursday, but in a written statement, he expressed his enthusiasm for a job that entails taking over a club that won just two games last season.
"It's difficult to leave the Ravens, but I couldn't pass up on this great opportunity," Pagano said. "I'm just thrilled and so excited."
Pagano leaves after just one year as the defensive coordinator, but he had been the team's secondary coach for the previous three seasons.
Pagano took the reins of the defense after Greg Mattison left after the 2010 campaign to become the defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan. Mattison had succeeded Rex Ryan, who became the head coach of the New York Jets after the 2008 season.
Under Pagano's tutelege, the defense finished the regular season ranked third overall, second against the run, fourth against the pass, third in points allowed per game and first in red-zone defense. Baltimore also topped the AFC in sacks with 48 - 21 more than they had registered in 2010.
In a season-ending 23-20 loss to the New England Patriots in last Sunday's AFC Championship Game, the unit forced quarterback Tom Brady into two interceptions and a 57.6 passer rating.
Pagano interviewed for Indianapolis' vacancy on Monday while Ravens head coach John Harbaugh and several of his top assistants went to Mobile, Ala., for the Senior Bowl. Pagano becomes the fourth Ravens defensive coordinator to become a head coach, following Marvin Lewis (the Cincinnati Bengals), Mike Nolan (the San Francisco 49ers) and Ryan.
Colts owner Jim Irsay expressed his thoughts about the hire via his Twitter account, writing, "we got one hell of a football coach with fire in his eyes! When I said,coach,r u ready 2b The Colts head coach,he said.. "Let's hunt"
"For us, it's mixed emotions," outside linebacker Jarret Johnson told The Baltimore Sun. "When he told us he was flying there to interview, first reaction, you're disappointed. It's like your girlfriend is cheating on you, but you're also excited for him because he has earned it. He's excited for the opportunity there. You can't pass up an opportunity like that."
"The Colts organization got a great guy, a great coach," inside linebacker Jameel McClain said in a statement released by the team. "I think he'll make an amazing head coach."
The Ravens may not have to venture far to find Pagano's replacement. Linebackers coach Dean Pees was New England's defensive coordinator from 2006 to 2009, and he is the lone defensive assistant with Harbaugh this week at the Senior Bowl. Defensive line coach Clarence Brooks also has the backing of many players.
"Both of them would do awesome," Johnson said of Pees and Brooks. "I can't see us going out of house. Both of them know the defense and are deserving of the opportunity. We wouldn't bat an eye if one of them stepped in."
While they know that they have at least one coordinator vacancy, Baltimore still hasn't announced whether offensive coordinator Cam Cameron will return. Cameron's contract expires next month.
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