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Chuck Smith Says Zach Orr Drove Ravens’ Defensive Revival, Not Dean Pees

During OTA practice, Smith spotlighted Orr’s key defensive adjustments, elevating his head coaching prospects

Overview

  • Chuck Smith delivered a two-and-a-half-minute testimonial praising Orr as the primary architect of the Ravens’ defensive turnaround and rejecting media suggestions about Pees’ influence.
  • Smith highlighted Orr’s calm and resilient leadership after an early-season stretch in which Baltimore ranked among the NFL’s worst pass defenses.
  • Adjustments implemented by Orr after Week 10—including changes to verbiage, personnel and meeting structures—were credited with transforming the secondary and pass rush.
  • Dean Pees will continue serving as a consultant for the Ravens but will not occupy a full-time coaching role this season, according to John Harbaugh.
  • If Baltimore’s defense maintains its status among the league’s best in 2025, Orr is viewed as a potential head coaching candidate next offseason.