The Baltimore Ravens have long been an organization that prides itself on front office and coaching stability. They develop and retain their own more than any franchise in the NFL.
But sometimes, change is necessary. Or more specifically, change is inevitable.
The Ravens could be set to lose their director of college scouting, Joe Hortiz, this offseason with the long-tenured executive set to interview with the New York Giants for their open general manager position.
Hortiz has been with the organization in some capacity since 1998 and established himself as one of the most respected and trustworthy individuals in that building. It’s only right that he finally gets his due.
Although the Ravens might be happy for him, they certainly wouldn’t look forward to losing him.
Who is Ravens director of college scouting Joe Hortiz?
Hortiz started off as a football personnel assistant with the Ravens back in 1998 where he was tasked with assisting both the pro and college scouting teams. From there, he’d serve as an area scout for a few seasons before being promoted to a full-time national scout in 2006.
Hortiz was promoted once again in 2009 taking over for future Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta as the team’s new director of college scouting. And that’s the role he’s been in ever since.
Much like DeCosta, Hortiz is another executive who has developed through the ranks under Ozzie Newsome in Baltimore from a personnel assistant to an area scout to someone who many believe will be a general manager one day.
That day could come very soon with Hortiz on the Giants’ and other teams’ radars. Losing Hortiz would undoubtedly be a blow to the Ravens’ front office and scouting department.
But if this is indeed the end of the line for Hortiz in Baltimore, the Ravens will just do what they always do. Restock and replenish with other internal candidates.