Joe D’Alessandris, the offensive line coach for the Baltimore Ravens, will be sidelined for “an extended period of time” due to an acute illness, the organization stated on Wednesday. D’Alessandris, 70, was admitted to the hospital over the weekend, according to the team, and will need continuous care.
“Coach D’Alessandris is widely respected and cherished in our organization,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “As he focuses on his health, we offer him unwavering support.”
During Wednesday’s practice, Harbaugh disclosed that D’Alessandris had surgery earlier this summer and that difficulties had just arisen from the procedure. Because the OL coach serves as both a teacher and a game coordinator, he continued, losing D’Alessandris is a “blow,” but the player’s health is still the key concern.
Statement from the Baltimore Ravens and Head Coach John Harbaugh on Offensive Line Coach Joe D’Alessandris. pic.twitter.com/MbS9qaWUj7
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 14, 2024
Baltimore brought in George Warhop to coach the offensive line while D’Alessandris was away. Warhop has 27 years of experience coaching NFL offensive linemen. He most recently worked with the Houston Texans in 2022.
“With expertise in guiding top-level offensive linemen, his dedication and strong character will continue to develop our offensive line during Coach D’s absence,” Harbaugh said of Warhop.
Entering his sixth season with the Ravens, D’Alessandris has experience working with offensive lineman who have been selected to the Pro Bowl, including Ronnie Stanley, Orlando Brown Jr., Marshal Yanda, Tyler Linderbaum, and Kevin Zeitler. After coaching experiences in the NCAA and the Canadian Football League, D’Alessandris previously worked with the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and San Diego Chargers in the National Football League.
(Photo: Charles LeClaire / USA Today)
