Ravens HC John Harbaugh trusts new DC Zach Orr despite lack of play-calling experience

The Baltimore Ravens have plenty to look forward to with their new defensive coordinator, Zach Orr. While it was undoubtedly a blow to lose former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to the Seattle Seahawks, Orr brings a similar passion and energy while being an extremely young and intelligent football mind.

Orr has no prior play-calling experience as he enters his first season as a defensive coordinator. Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh discussed Orr’s lack of experience but said that the team will work through it with the former linebacker and has a comfort level that he can do an excellent job at it.

“That’s definitely a consideration. You definitely have to think about that. That’s something that we’re going to have to work through and [Defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s] going to have to get on board with quick. I think he’s been studying that and how to do that all the way through. In talking to him, I have a comfort level that he’ll be good at it, but he has to go do it. There’s no doubt about it. Again, he’s going to get support not just from the veteran coaches but also the young coaches that are going to help set up those gameplans and make sure that all the bases are covered that way.”

Orr will have his work cut out for him, but the team is retaining multiple key playmakers while also being able to add if needed. Baltimore will lose a few of their players to free agency, but under Orr, the defense should still be able to maintain top-five status.