Raven Country

Former Ravens DC Proud of Zach Orr

Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr showed significant growth in his first season.
Jon Alfano|
Oct 20, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald on the sideline against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Oct 20, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald on the sideline against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

In this story:

Baltimore Ravens

Zach Orr's time as the Baltimore Ravens' defensive coordinator got off to a rocky start, but first impressions don't always tell the full story.

For roughly the first half of the season, Baltimore's defense was historically bad against the pass, allowing around 300 yards per game. The low point came in Week 10 against the Cincinnati Bengals, when star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase went off with 11 receptions for 264 yards and three touchdowns by himself.

In the second half of the season, though, the defense improved dramatically, even playing like one of the best units in the league. The Ravens played with much more cohesion than they did previously, and it boosted the unit as a whole. Some much-needed personnel changes helped, but it's also a testament to Orr's growth as a coach.

Orr's start led to some concerns among fans, but those who know him never doubted him one bit. Former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, now the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, shared how happy he is to see his successor thriving.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald speaks during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

"I think the world of Zach," Macdonald told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine. I've got a ton of respect for him. He's a heck of a football coach.

"I'm proud of Zach. I thought they played great football this year and they had a chance to win it all in the end. I'm sure he's going to be diving in like we are right now, trying to get better."

Macdonald led one of the NFL's best defenses in 2023, as Baltimore ranked first in points allowed and sixth in yards allowed. That performance earned him a head-coaching opportunity in Seattle, and he's already helped to significantly improve the Seahawks' defense.

Orr is still very young at just 32 years old, making him one of the youngest coordinators in the league. If he continues to grow like his predecessor, perhaps he could be an NFL head coach one day too.

Make sure you bookmark Baltimore Ravens On SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

Published
Jon Alfano
JON ALFANO

Jon is a lead writer for Baltimore Ravens On SI and contributes to other sites around the network as well. The Tampa native previously worked with sites such as ClutchPoints and GiveMeSport and earned his journalism degree at the University of Central Florida.

Home/News