The Ravens are mourning the loss of longtime Offensive Line Coach Joe D'Alessandris, who passed away Sunday morning.
D'Alessandris, 70, was a revered figure in the organization, serving as Baltimore's offensive line coach since 2017.
"Coach 'Joe D.' was a man of integrity and a man of faith. He made us all better," Head Coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. "He was our reader at team mass, and he was loved by all here. He was a great coach and a good man – the kind of person who you are honored to have as a friend. He raised three incredible, beautiful daughters, and he was a most loving husband. His grandkids also adored him. I admired him, loved him and am going to miss him, because 'Joe D.' was a joy. Toni has him back now. May God bless 'Joe D.' forever."
D'Alessandris was hospitalized earlier this month due to an acute illness that was going to require ongoing treatment for an extended period of time. He had surgery earlier this summer and had experienced complications.
D'Alessandris shepherded countless offensive linemen during his 15 years coaching in the NFL and 45 years coaching football. He also coached for the Kansas City Chiefs (2008-2009), Buffalo Bills (2010-2012), and San Diego Chargers (2013-2015).
In Baltimore, D'Alessandris helped develop numerous offensive linemen – from Pro Bowlers such as Marshal Yanda, Orlando Brown Jr., Ronnie Stanley, and Tyler Linderbaum to late-round or undrafted players such as Ryan Jensen, James Hurst, Ben Powers, Bradley Bozeman, and others.
Despite multiple offensive line rebuilds, the Ravens have consistently had one of the top units in the league. Baltimore has ranked in the top 10 in pass blocking and run blocking win rates, per ESPN. The Ravens ranked No. 5 in the league last year and No. 2 in 2022, per Pro Football Focus.
But for as much success as D'Alessandris had coaching between the lines, he was known for the character he showed off the field. One of the warmest people at the Under Armour Performance Center, D'Alessandris was genuinely invested in knowing everybody – from the players and coaches and their families, to staff members.
He loved to talk about his beloved three daughters, Anna, Kelly, and Emily, who helped look after their father after the tragic passing of his wife, Toni, in 2022 after 42 years of marriage. After that heartbreaking loss, D'Alessandris continued to put his head down and work as he grieved, pouring himself into his daughters and players.
D'Alessandris was overseeing another Ravens rebuild this offseason, as Baltimore is replacing three starters at left guard, right guard, and right tackle. The Ravens hired longtime NFL Offensive Line Coach George Warhop earlier this month to step in for D'Alessandris.
Beyond the football challenge of replacing an integral coach just weeks before the regular-season opener, the Ravens now have an emotional weight of losing D'Alessandris, something the offensive line, team, and organization will surely rally around this season.
"Today is a sad day for the Baltimore Ravens. 'Joe D.' was a rock, a great coach and a better person," General Manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement. "He cared about the team deeply, exhibiting a relentless passion to excel while displaying genuine love for his players. I especially treasure my conversations with him, talking about football and life. I will always remember standing back with Joe on the practice field and watching him up close with his players. Coach was the consummate teacher and friend, and I will miss him deeply. Our thoughts and prayers go to Joe's daughters and family and everyone touched by Joe's remarkable spirit."
"'Joe D.' was beloved throughout our entire organization and the greater NFL community," Team President Sashi Brown stated. "He was a passionate and devoted football coach who left an indelible mark on the lives of many. Above all, he was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather who always prioritized his faith and family.
"True to character, 'Joe D.' was a fighter to the very end. Our hearts are broken for his daughters, Kelly, Emily and Anna, and his five grandchildren. We take comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his late wife, Toni, whom he loved dearly.
"His legacy, light and spirit will remain with all of us. Our prayers are with the entire D'Alessandris family during this very difficult time."
