Anthony Weaver embodies the strength of humility in the NFL coaching world. At 45, he still carries the imposing presence that made him a second-round pick for Baltimore, but it's his wisdom and patience that truly stand out.
Despite being the oldest of the four Ravens coaches who spoke recently, Weaver won't be calling plays next season. Yet, his presence in the locker room is undeniable, a quality every coach aspires to have.
It's puzzling how five franchises, including Baltimore, Arizona, Atlanta, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh, interviewed Weaver for head coaching positions but ultimately passed on him. Weaver, however, remains unfazed. "This job and being with Coach Jesse Minter and the staff and these players is hardly a consolation prize," he remarked with a confident grin.
Weaver's return to Baltimore, where he last coached a dominant defensive line in 2023, is a significant win for the Ravens. Despite being overqualified for his role, he views this position as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully.
The NFL's hiring practices have been under scrutiny, especially when considering that none of the ten head coaching positions filled this offseason went to Black candidates, despite Weaver, Brian Flores, and Vance Joseph being top contenders. Five of the new hires are younger than Weaver, highlighting the league's ongoing challenges with diversity in coaching.
Weaver's journey through the coaching ranks has been marked by grace and resilience. While he acknowledges the disappointment of not securing a head coaching role, he remains focused on his purpose: winning a Super Bowl and helping players reach their potential. "I don’t need to be a head coach to do that," he said.
Weaver was a natural candidate for the Ravens' defensive coordinator role two seasons ago but was passed over for Zach Orr, a former player he once coached. Instead, Weaver took on the defensive coordinator position in Miami, where he became known for demanding physicality and accountability.
Now back with the Ravens, Weaver aims to restore the team's fearsome defensive culture, reminiscent of the days of Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs. He recalls a shirt from his rookie year that said, "It's better to be feared than loved," symbolizing the Ravens' intimidating legacy.
Jesse Minter, the Ravens' head coach, values Weaver's deep understanding of what it means to "play like a Raven" and is confident in his ability to lead the defense and help revamp the team's culture.
Weaver's poise and dedication make him a compelling candidate for future head coaching opportunities. Until then, his presence is a significant asset for the Ravens, and perhaps next year, an NFL team will recognize the unique qualities he brings to the table.