Ravens’ Veteran OL Coach Joe D’Alessandris Hospitalized: Team Faces Urgent Transition as They Aim to Maintain Ground Game Excellence
Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris has been hospitalized for an acute illness that will necessitate ongoing treatment over an extended period, the team disclosed on Wednesday. In light of this, the Ravens have appointed George Warhop to take over D’Alessandris’ duties on an interim basis.
D’Alessandris, with 45 years of coaching experience, has been a cornerstone of the Ravens’ offensive line since joining the team in 2017. Under his guidance, the Ravens have consistently boasted one of the league’s most formidable rushing attacks. Notably, in the 2019 season, D’Alessandris’ offensive line played a crucial role in setting the NFL single-season rushing record with 3,296 yards.
In 2023, the Ravens’ ground game led the league with an average of 156.5 rushing yards per game, marking the sixth consecutive year Baltimore finished in the top three for rushing offense.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh expressed deep respect and support for D’Alessandris during this challenging time, acknowledging his invaluable contributions to the team. “Coach D’Alessandris is widely respected and cherished in our organization,” Harbaugh stated. “As he focuses on his health, we offer him unwavering support.”
In the meantime, George Warhop, who previously served as an offensive line coach with the Houston Texans in 2022, will strive to maintain the high standards set by D’Alessandris.
Warhop’s challenge will be to uphold the Ravens’ esteemed reputation for a dominant rushing offense while D’Alessandris focuses on his recovery.