Ravens Offensive Line Coach Joe D'Alessandris Dead At 70

BALTIMORE — Longtime Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris died early Sunday, according to the team. He was 70 and had served in the role since 2017.

D'Alessandris was hospitalized earlier in the month for what the team described as "an acute illness" requiring extended ongoing treatment, after undergoing surgery earlier in the summer and suffering complications. George Warhop was added to the Ravens' coaching staff in D'Alessandris's absence.

"Coach 'Joe D.' was a man of integrity and a man of faith. He made us all better. He was our reader at team Mass, and he was loved by all here," head coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. "He was a great coach and a good man — the kind of person who you are honored to have as a friend."

D'Alessandris had been coaching 45 years and was entering his eighth season for the Ravens' offensive line, according to the team. His first season coaching for the NFL was in 2008. Before coming to the Ravens, he coached for the Chiefs, Bills and Chargers.

"'Joe D.' was a rock, a great coach and a better person. He cared about the team deeply, exhibiting a relentless passion to excel while displaying genuine love for his players," Executive Vice President and General Manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement. "I especially treasure my conversations with him, talking about football and life."

The team set a single-season franchise record in 2023 with 26 rushing touchdowns, tied the all-time record for most consecutive games with 100 or more rushing yards at 43 in 2021, and set a new single-season rushing record at 3,296 yards in 2019, according to the Ravens.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson and the Ravens battled Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC championship last season, but lost at home 17-10. The Ravens kick off the season against the Super Bowl champion Chiefs on Sept. 5 in Kansas City.

D'Alessandris's mentees included Pro Bowlers Tyler Linderbaum, Ronnie Stanley and Orlando Brown Jr., according to the team.

"'Joe D.' was beloved throughout our entire organization and the greater NFL community," President Sashi Brown said in a statement. "He was a passionate and devoted football coach who left an indelible mark on the lives of many. Above all, he was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather who always prioritized his faith and family."

Earlier in his career, D'Alessandris coached in the NCAA, World League and Canadian Football League, according to the Ravens.

He was from Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, and attended Center High School. At Western Carolina University, he earned four letters as a guard and was captain his senior year. He was later inducted into the Western Carolina University Athletic Hall of Fame, the Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame and the Center High School Hall of Fame.

He is survived by three daughters and five grandchildren, and was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Toni.