The Baltimore Ravens are known as one of the classiest organizations in the league, which makes them a popular destination for players and coaches to want to work. Some former players have even returned to the team to fill coaching vacancies.
In February, it was announced the Ravens added former inside linebacker Zach Orr to their coaching staff as their new inside linebackers coach after the departure of Rob Ryan. Orr spent his three NFL seasons as a player with Baltimore, so he knows the organization well.
Speaking to the media, Orr was asked what his thought process was when he had the opportunity to come back to Baltimore. Orr detailed his relationship with some of the higher-ups in the organization and was thankful to come back where his career began.
.@ZO35 on his opportunity to come back to the Ravens as a coach: pic.twitter.com/ycEfefqkvb
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 8, 2022
“I was excited. I was hoping that – I came in for an interview – and I was hoping that I did a good job. I was able to get the job and I’m thankful for coming back. That’s part of doing a good job here previously. Building a relationship with, obviously Coach [John] Harbaugh, with [defensive coordinator] Mike [Macdonald], with [executive vice president and general manger] Eric [DeCosta], with the whole organization. So, when they called me and they were interested I was excited, pumped to come back because this is home. This is home for me, and even though I was at another place, I still paid attention closely, because I have a lot of good friends in this building. So, I was excited to come back, and I wanted to be back once they called me. So, it was a great opportunity. I’m glad it worked out.”
Orr announced his retirement from playing at the age of 24 after he was diagnosed with a congenital back/spine condition. The inside linebacker certainly made his presence known on the field when he played. Through 46 games, Orr notched 163 combined tackles, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and one sack.