Source – Ravens bring back Dean Pees as advisor to DC Zach Orr

OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Baltimore Ravens first-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr is getting help from one of his former coaches.

Longtime defensive coordinator Dean Pees, 75, has been hired as a senior adviser to the Ravens' struggling defense, according to a source.

Pees was the Ravens' defensive coordinator from 2012 to 2017, when he coached Orr as a player for three seasons.

Under Orr, who has never been a defensive player before, Baltimore ranks 26th in points allowed (25.2) and 31st in pass defense (280.2). That's the second-most points the Ravens have ever allowed in the first five weeks of a season. Only the 2015 team, which conceded 27.4 points in the first five weeks, allowed more.

Last year, the Ravens became the first NFL team to record the fewest points allowed (16.5), most sacks (60) and most takeaways (31) in a single season. Mike Macdonald, Baltimore's defensive coordinator last year, was hired as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks last offseason.

Pees, who served as defensive coordinator for four teams, announced his retirement in 2017, his final season in Baltimore. But Pees later became defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans (2018-19) and Atlanta Falcons (2021-22).

Pees' addition comes before the Ravens (3-2) host the Washington Commanders (4-1), who lead the NFL with 31 points per game.

The Athletic first reported Pees' hiring.