John Harbaugh Stocking Talent on Ravens Coaching Staff
Ravens coach John Harbaugh likes to delegate responsibility among his staff.
However, Harbaugh expects his assistants to be hands-on with their approach to the players and bring new ideas to the meeting room.
So far this offseason, Harbaugh has made high-profile hires, including new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, that should help some of the young players continue to develop.
One of the latest addition Chuck Smith, who will serve as the team’s outside linebackers coach.
Smith, a former NFL defensive end (1992-2000), has more than 20 years of experience developing and operating a pass rush training program that has been utilized by many professional and collegiate players and coaches. He served as a training camp consultant for several NFL teams, including the Ravens in 2008.
He should be helpful working with second-year player David Ojabo, who flashed his potential in limited playing time last season. Smith could also help former first-round pick Odafe Oweh get back on track after a disappointing year.
"Chuck is a proven and highly-respected pass rush coach who many pro and collegiate players have sought guidance from," Harbaugh said. "He brings unique insight, experience and passion to the Ravens, and we're confident that he'll have a great impact on our outside linebackers group."
Smith joins a talented staff that includes Tee Martin (quarterbacks coach), Willie Taggart (running backs coach), Dennard Wilson (defensive backs coach), Greg Lewis (wide receivers coach), Scott Elliott (strength and conditioning coordinator) Anthony Watson (strength and conditioning coach) Ron Shrift (strength and conditioning coach) and Kaelyn Buskey (strength and conditioning coach).
These new voices could be helpful to the team with ideas.
There is also some continuity.
Martin is in his third season with the Ravens, having previously served as the team’s wide receivers coach (2021-22). Martin enjoyed a three-year NFL playing career and two seasons in the CFL, before joining the coaching ranks in 2006.
These coaches also have experience working with young players.
Taggart is a 24-year coaching veteran at the collegiate level, holding head coach titles at five Division I programs (Florida Atlantic – 2020-22; Florida State – 2018-19; Oregon – 2017; South Florida – 2013-16; Western Kentucky – 2010-12).
Wilson is entering his 12th year as an NFL coach and ninth coaching the defensive backs. He most recently spent two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he served as defensive passing game coordinator/defensive backs (2022) and as defensive backs coach (2021).
Lewis, 43, enters his ninth season as an NFL coach, most recently working with the Chiefs’ running backs (2021-22) and wide receivers (2017-20). In Kanas City, Lewis assisted on offenses that helped the organization win six-straight AFC West titles (2017-22), three conference championships (2019-20 & 2022) and two Super Bowls (2019 & 2022).
The new strength and conditioning coaches will be especially welcomed by the players who were critical of former staff member Steve Saunders, who was for a month in 2020 after he reportedly was not wearing a tracker or required mask required by the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols.
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