In a surprising move, the Baltimore Ravens have hired former Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano as their new senior secondary coach. The 64-year-old Pagano, who had been retired for the past four years, will look to help improve a Ravens pass defense that struggled mightily in 2024, ranking 26th in the NFL in yards allowed through the air.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh expressed excitement about the addition of Pagano to his staff:
“Chuck brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and coaching talent to our team. He has deep ties to the program and is excited to get to work.”
– John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens Head Coach
Pagano’s Return to Baltimore
This hiring marks a homecoming of sorts for Pagano, who previously served as the Ravens’ secondary coach in 2008 on Harbaugh’s inaugural staff, before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2011. That season, Pagano’s defense ranked 3rd in the NFL in both yards and points allowed.
After his successful one-year stint as Baltimore’s DC, Pagano was hired as the head coach of the Colts in 2012. Over six seasons in Indianapolis, he compiled a 56-46 record (.549), including playoff games. Pagano then spent two years as the defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears before retiring in 2021.
Shoring Up the Secondary
Pagano will be tasked with helping second-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr fix the Ravens’ leaky pass defense. In 2024, Baltimore surrendered 4,150 yards through the air, the second-highest single-season total in franchise history. Big plays were a major issue, as the Ravens gave up 58 completions of 20+ yards, third-most in the NFL.
The Ravens’ secondary does have talent for Pagano to work with, led by Pro Bowlers Kyle Hamilton at safety and Marlon Humphrey at cornerback. 2024 first-round pick Nate Wiggins is also a promising young corner. The only starter set to hit free agency is CB Brandon Stephens.
Harbaugh’s Penchant for Reunion Tours
Pagano is not the first former Ravens coordinator that Harbaugh has coaxed out of retirement. Just this past season, he brought back Dean Pees as a senior advisor in October to help turn around the defense. Pees will remain in a consulting role going forward.
With Pagano now in the fold as well, Harbaugh has reassembled key architects of some of Baltimore’s most dominant defenses from the past 15 years. The Ravens are hoping a blend of institutional knowledge and veteran coaching can help restore their reputation as one of the league’s most fearsome stop units.
Key Takeaways
- Ravens hire Chuck Pagano as senior secondary coach
- Pagano previously served as Ravens DC in 2011
- Ravens ranked 26th in pass defense in 2024
- Pagano tasked with helping improve Ravens’ secondary
- Ravens have talent in secondary led by Hamilton, Humphrey
The surprise hiring of Chuck Pagano is the latest attempt by John Harbaugh to fix the Ravens’ inconsistent defense by bringing back a familiar face. After coaxing Dean Pees out of retirement as a consultant last season, Harbaugh has now handed Pagano the reins to the secondary. With the former Colts head coach’s impressive track record and intimate knowledge of the Ravens’ scheme and culture, Baltimore is banking on this reunion yielding a major boost to their pass defense in 2025. The move shows Harbaugh will leave no stone unturned in his quest to restore the Ravens to their place among the NFL’s defensive elite.
