The Ravens are bringing a familiar face back to Baltimore, hiring Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver to take over the same role on their staff. It’s a homecoming of sorts for Weaver, who previously served as the Ravens’ defensive line coach and now returns in a much larger capacity under new head coach Jesse Minter.
This move makes a lot of sense for Minter, who’s looking to build a defensive identity rooted in continuity and familiarity. Weaver isn’t just a former assistant-he’s someone who understands the Ravens' culture, has coached within their system, and even overlapped with Minter during their time on staff. That shared history could help streamline the transition, especially with a defense that’s been one of the league’s most consistent over the past few seasons.
Weaver wasn’t just on Baltimore’s radar for the coordinator job-he actually interviewed for their head coaching vacancy. He was also a finalist for Pittsburgh’s top job and drew interest from multiple teams around the league, signaling that he’s very much a rising name in coaching circles.
At 45, Weaver brings a unique blend of player pedigree and coaching experience. He was a second-round pick by the Ravens in 2002 and spent seven seasons in the NFL with Baltimore and Houston. That playing background gives him an edge when it comes to relating to his players-he’s been in the trenches, literally, and knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
His coaching journey started at Florida in 2010 as a graduate assistant, followed by a stint with the Jets as an assistant defensive line coach. From there, he made stops with the Bills and Browns before landing in Houston, where he eventually rose to defensive coordinator in 2020. After that, he returned to Baltimore as the run game coordinator and D-line coach, spending three years in that role before heading to Miami in 2024.
While his lone season as the Dolphins’ defensive coordinator didn’t produce standout numbers-Miami ranked 22nd in total yards allowed, 24th in points allowed, 18th against the pass, and 26th against the run-context matters. Injuries and inconsistency plagued the unit, and Weaver still managed to keep the group competitive in key stretches. His schematic versatility and ability to connect with players are two traits that likely stood out to the Ravens during the hiring process.
Now, back in Baltimore, Weaver has a chance to help shape a defense that already has plenty of talent and a strong foundation. With his deep ties to the organization and a coaching résumé that continues to grow, this hire feels like more than just a reunion-it’s a strategic move aimed at keeping the Ravens’ defense among the league’s elite.