Zach Orr confirms key plans for debut season as Ravens defensive coordinator

The Baltimore Ravens will have a new defensive play-caller in the 2024 season. 

The Ravens named Zach Orr as their new defensive coordinator last Thursday. Orr replaces Mike Macdonald, who was recently hired to fill the Seattle Seahawks’ head coaching vacancy.

In his first season as Ravens offensive coordinator, Todd Monken decided to call plays from the press box. Lamar Jackson did not seem to have much of a problem with Monken opting not to be on the sideline during games.

Macdonald, on the other hand, called games from the field, which is what Orr is planning to do as well this year.

"I have to be on the field," Orr said during his introductory press conference on Tuesday. "I have to look players in their eyes and see what’s going on and get a feel for how guys are feeling out there. So, people have their different ways, I have to be on the field.

"I’m more being into it and getting the feel off of motion and how guys are really feeling out there."

A multitude of Ravens players are looking forward to Orr’s first season as the defensive play-caller for the team. Among them, Roquan Smith noted at the 2024 Pro Bowl Games that he is "excited to hear him calling calls in the mic."

Overall, Orr has spent six out of his first seven seasons as a defensive coach in the NFL with the Ravens.