'We're Going To Play Violent!' Zach Orr Ready To Take Over Ravens Defense

"Present a lot of problems to the offense," Orr said. "Never give the answer to the offense before the snap. Hit everything that moves. We're going to play violent."

Orr said he always thought of coaching when his career was over, but he didn't realize he'd be thrust into that position sooner than later. Not long after announcing his retirement, Orr got a call from Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti about the possibility of coaching.

"I didn't have time to sit there and hang my head. I got right back to work," Orr said. "Them doing that for me just shows that they had my back in a tough situation. So they're going to get everything I've got out of me. I bleed purple and black."

Orr quickly moved through the coaching ranks and in 2019 he became a defensive coaching analyst before moving to Jacksonville to coach the Jaguars' linebackers in 2021. He returned to Baltimore to coach the same position group there.

Ravens current linebacker Roquan Smith thinks Orr's playing history makes him a perfect candidate for the defensive coordinator in Baltimore.

"While it's unfortunate that his career was cut short due to injury, I feel like he carries that same passion over to the game of football and coaching," Smith said. "I know his mentality is very similar to mine. So I'm stoked. I just know it's going to be great for us."

Former teammate, Michael Pierce, was a rookie in Orr's final season in Baltimore and is excited to be coached by him.

"He challenges guys on a level that only a former player could," Pierce said. "He also can see the game and coach the game from a coach's point of view, as well as a player's. Zach knows what it means to be a Raven and carry the shield. He is a true Raven."

Orr marks the first former player to be elevated to a coordinator, and John Harbaugh also thinks he's a perfect fit.

"I think when you're a linebackers coach, that's an advantage because you're in the middle of the defense, [and] you understand the whole defense inside and out," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "You have a big picture. [It] helps you with defensive playcalling, for sure."

Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh called Orr " a catalyst" for last season's defense, and leads not just by his words, but by his actions too.

"One thing I always notice about Zach is that his voice is always loud," Oweh said. "It's always in the highest pitch, and you have to respect it because it never wavers. He's always bringing that action. He's always bringing that energy to just make sure that everyone is on their toes and make sure every guy is at the same level."