Ravens eyeing first candidate for vacant defensive coordinator job

Just a day after firing Don Martindale, the Baltimore Ravens already have their sights set on a new defensive coordinator.

On Saturday evening, the Ravens officially asked to interview Dallas Cowboys secondary coach Joe Whitt for their defensive coordinator position, per NFL Network’s Steve Wyche.

It’s a somewhat surprising move since Baltimore tends to promote coaches from within the organization as opposed to external hires.

Whitt has attracted other suitors as well, including the Seattle Seahawks.

Throughout his 14-year NFL coaching career, Whitt has built a reputation out of creating turnovers.

Whitt was hired by the Cowboys a little over a year ago as their secondary coach and pass game coordinator. This past season, Dallas led the NFL with 26 interceptions and cornerback Trevon Diggs secured a league-high 11 picks.

Prior to 2021, Whitt had spent time with the Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, and Green Bay Packers.

As pass game coordinator and secondary coach for Cleveland in 2019, Whitt’s efforts helped the Browns’ defense rank seventh in the league against the pass and eighth in interceptions.

The Ravens begin defensive coordinator search with Cowboys’ coach Joe Whitt

Whitt’s longest tenure was with the Packers from 2008 to 2018, working his way up from defensive quality control to defensive pass game coordinator.

During his 10 years in Green Bay, Whitt helped the team win Super Bowl XLV, and the Packers defense recorded a league-leading total of 176 interceptions.

Whitt also oversaw two Packers cornerbacks, Tramon Williams and Sam Shields, combine for 33 interceptions from 2010-14, the most in the league during that time between two teammates.

Whitt’s know-how as a secondary specialist could appeal to the Ravens, who have recently been hit hard by injuries in the defensive backfield.

In 2021, the Ravens ranked last in the league in opponent passing yards per game (278.9 yards). Baltimore was also one of seven teams that recorded single-digit interceptions (nine), ranked just above the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New York Jets.

Hiring Whitt could signal the start of a defensive turnaround in Baltimore, as the secondary is just one of many areas the Ravens will need to rebuild.

The urgency by which the Ravens have started their defensive coordinator interview process suggests the team wants to start rebuilding sooner rather than later.

Baltimore will likely interview other candidates for the position, but Joe Whitt seems to be first in line. Expect others to follow.