The Ravens are bringing back a familiar face - and a familiar voice - to lead their defense. Anthony Weaver, who once patrolled the trenches as a player in Baltimore and later coached on the staff, is returning to the organization as defensive coordinator. It’s a homecoming with deep roots and high expectations.
At 45, Weaver becomes the 10th defensive coordinator in franchise history, and notably, just the second to both play and coach for the Ravens - a distinction he now shares with Zach Orr. After spending the last two seasons as Miami’s defensive coordinator, Weaver steps into a crucial role under new head coach Jesse Minter, who beat him out for the top job but now brings him back into the fold in a major way.
Weaver’s history with the Ravens runs deep. Drafted in the second round back in 2002, he spent four seasons in Baltimore as a player.
His first coaching stint with the team came from 2021 to 2023, where he worked with the defensive line and later served as assistant head coach. Though his time as an assistant didn’t overlap with Minter’s earlier stint from 2017 to 2020, both share a connection through former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald.
That shared lineage should make for a smooth philosophical transition - a critical factor when building a cohesive defensive identity.
This marks Weaver’s third shot as a defensive coordinator. He held the title in Houston back in 2020 and just wrapped up a two-year run in Miami.
His first year with the Dolphins saw the defense finish top-10 in both yards and points allowed. The second year was more turbulent - Miami fell to 22nd in total defense and 24th in scoring defense - but the broader body of work still carries weight.
Weaver also interviewed for four head coaching vacancies during this hiring cycle, which speaks to how highly he’s regarded around the league.
Now back in Baltimore, Weaver will play a central role in shaping the weekly defensive game plan. Minter has already made it clear he’ll be calling plays on Sundays, but with the expanded responsibilities that come with being a first-time head coach, having someone with Weaver’s experience and presence on staff is invaluable. He’ll be the one driving the day-to-day defensive preparation, ensuring the unit is locked in by kickoff.
“I do plan on calling the defense. I think that’s a strength of mine,” Minter said last week.
“That’s one of the reasons I’m sitting here. But I also think it’s my leadership qualities.
I have a really good process to be ready to call the game, but I also have the ability to be the head coach and impact the entire roster - offense, defense, special teams. There can’t be any divide there.”
That kind of all-encompassing leadership means Minter will lean heavily on relationships - and his partnership with Weaver will be one of the most important. The two are aligned in philosophy and temperament, and their ability to sync up on the defensive side of the ball could be a defining factor in how this new era of Ravens football unfolds.
Baltimore wasn’t done making moves, either. The team officially announced the hiring of Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator. Minter praised Doyle’s ability to build around players through communication, collaboration, and trust - key themes that have echoed throughout this coaching cycle.
“An architect of offense,” Minter said in a statement, “Declan will build around our players through communication, collaboration, relationships, and trust. His innovative mindset, collaborative spirit, team-first approach, and extensive NFL experience make him an outstanding addition to the Ravens organization.”
The Ravens also confirmed several other staff additions: Dwayne Ledford will take over as offensive line coach and run game coordinator, Mike Mickens joins as secondary coach and pass game coordinator, and Charlie Gelman has been hired as game management coordinator and defensive assistant. Additionally, inside linebackers coach Tyler Santucci - a key figure from last season’s staff - will be staying on under the new regime.
With Minter at the helm, Weaver anchoring the defense, and Doyle crafting the offense, the Ravens are leaning into a blend of continuity and fresh perspective. It’s a staff built on trust, shared vision, and a deep understanding of what it takes to win in Baltimore.