Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris dead at 70

Joe D'Alessandris, the Baltimore Ravens' offensive line coach, died Sunday, the team announced.

He was 70 years old.

"Our hearts ache with grief and sadness upon learning of Coach Joe D'Alessandris' passing early this morning," the Ravens wrote in a statement.

"'Joe D.' lived a life of boundless faith, love, devotion and inspiration. As a husband, father, grandfather, friend and coach, Joe made every individual he encountered truly feel like they were the most important person in the world.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to Joe's family – particularly his three incredible daughters – during this somber time. Now reunited with his late and precious wife, Toni, we know they are smiling down from above and blessing everyone they dearly love."

The team announced earlier this month that D'Alessandris was dealing with an acute illness requiring ongoing treatment for an extended period.

Ravens coach Harbaugh said at the time that D'Alessandris had surgery early in the summer and his illness was a complication from the procedure, ESPN reported .

"Coach 'Joe D.' was a man of integrity and a man of faith. He made us all better," Harbaugh said in a statement Sunday.

"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."

The Ravens hired George Warhop as offensive line coach earlier this month when they announced D'Alessandris' extended absence.

D'Alessandris had spent eight seasons with the Ravens at the time of his death.

D'Alessandris also served as the offensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills (2010-12) and San Diego Chargers (2013-15) in his coaching career. Prior to his NFL career, he had coaching stints with Western Carolina, Livingston, Memphis, Chattanooga, Samford, Texas A&M, Pittsburgh, Duke and Georgia Tech at the college level.