In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Baltimore Ravens have announced the passing of their beloved offensive line coach, Joe D’Alessandris, at the age of 70. Just a mere two weeks ago, the Ravens revealed that D’Alessandris had been hospitalized due to a sudden and severe illness that would require him to be away from the team for an indefinite period of time.
“Today is a sad day for the Baltimore Ravens,” expressed general manager Eric DeCosta in a heartfelt statement. “‘Joe D.’ was not just a coach, but a pillar of strength, a mentor, and an all-around incredible person. His dedication to the team was unwavering, his passion for excellence was unmatched, and his love for his players was truly genuine. I will always cherish our football discussions and life chats. Seeing Joe in action on the practice field, his expertise and camaraderie with his players, will forever be ingrained in my memory. Coach Joe was the epitome of a teacher and a friend, and his absence will be deeply felt.”
The entire Ravens organization extends their thoughts and prayers to D’Alessandris’ daughters, family, and all those whose lives were touched by his extraordinary spirit.
D’Alessandris joined the Ravens coaching staff in 2017, bringing with him over four decades of experience coaching offensive lines in both the NFL and college programs. Prior to his tenure with Baltimore, he had stints with the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and then-San Diego Chargers, as well as coaching at esteemed institutions such as Duke and Pittsburgh.
Describing “Joe D.” as a beloved grandfather and a man of unwavering integrity, head coach John Harbaugh shared how D’Alessandris had a profound impact on every individual within the Ravens organization, pushing them to be their best both on and off the field. In his absence, the team enlisted George Warhop, a seasoned offensive line coach with extensive experience in the NFL, having recently worked with the Houston Texans in 2022 and having coached for a total of eight different teams.
“We warmly welcome George Warhop to our coaching staff during this interim period,” the Ravens affirmed in a recent statement. “With his proven track record in developing elite offensive linemen and his strong character, we are confident that he will continue to elevate our offensive line while Coach D is away.”
The football world mourns the loss of a coaching legend, Joe D’Alessandris, but his legacy of excellence and compassion will forever remain ingrained in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.