Joe D’Alessandris, Ravens offensive line coach, dies at 70

Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris passed away Sunday morning, the team announced . He was 70.

D’Alessandris, who joined the Ravens in 2017, was hospitalized earlier this month due to an acute illness. He had undergone surgery over the summer and experienced complications.

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“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. 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.”

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D’Alessandris’ coaching career began back in 1977 as a graduate assistant at Western Carolina, his alma mater. He spent 30 years coaching offensive line collegiately before making the jump to the NFL in 2008 as assistant offensive line coach for the Kansas City Chiefs. D’Alessandris had coaching stints with the Buffalo Bills (2010-12) and San Diego Chargers (2013-15) before joining the Ravens.

Baltimore Ravens issue statement after Joe D’Alessandris’ passing

Several Ravens offensive linemen made Pro Bowls during D’Alessandris’ coaching tenure, including Kevin Zeitler , Marshall Yanda , Tyler Linderbaum , Ronnie Stanley and Orlando Brown . Baltimore consistently had one of the best offensive lines in the league under D’Alessandris, ranking No. 5 last year and No. 2 in 2022.

“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. “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.”

D’Alessandris is survived by his three daughters, Anna, Kelly, and Emily. His daughters helped look over him following the passing of his wife, Toni, in 2022.

The Ravens hired longtime NFL offensive line coach George Warhop earlier this month to step in for D’Alessandris. Warhop last served as the Houston Texans’ offensive line coach in 2022.

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