The Baltimore Ravens announced today that former Patriots defensive coordinator Dean Pees has been hired as their linebackers coach. The website Pro Football Talk had reported the news Monday.
This won't be the first time that Pees and Ravens coach John Harbaugh are on the same team.
When Harbaugh played defensive back at Miami (Ohio), Pees was his defensive coordinator. "He was the one coach who thought I could play," Harbaugh said in a press release.
"I've known Dean for 27 years, and he's our type of coach -- energetic, hard-working and innovative," Harbaugh said. "He has worked with three levels of defense -- defensive line, linebackers and secondary. His experience and wealth of knowledge speak for themselves. Dean has also earned respect from his players and fellow coaches because he has been a coordinator. He'll help our linebackers complement the guys up front and in the back end. He'll fit in with us well, and we're excited to get him."
The 60-year-old Pees also coached with Ravens defensive coordinator Greg Mattison at the Naval Academy from 1987-88.
"It's a privilege and an honor to be a part of an organization like the Ravens," Pees said. "I'm very anxious and excited for the opportunity to work with Coach Harbaugh and also Greg Mattison. I think this is a tremendous opportunity and something that my family and I are very excited about. I can't wait to get to work."