Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris, a longtime NFL assistant who became one of the team’s most important and beloved employees, died Sunday morning, the team announced. He was 70 years old.
D’Alessandris was hospitalized two weeks ago for an acute illness, the team said Aug. 14, and is expected to require care “for an extended period of time” after undergoing offseason surgery. Coach John Harbaugh said Tuesday that D’Alessandris has made “good progress,” according to his daughters.
D’Alessandris has been the Ravens’ offensive line coach since 2017 and has been instrumental in the development of Pro Bowl linemen Tyler Linderbaum, Ronnie Stanley, Orlando Brown Jr., Marshal Yanda and Kevin Zeitler, among others. Under D’Alessandris, the Ravens have ranked in the top 10 in pass blocking and run blocking win rates for the past four years, according to ESPN.
“Our hearts ache with grief and sadness as we learned of the passing of Coach Joe D’Alessandris this morning,” the team said in a statement. “‘Joe D.’ lived a life of boundless faith, love, dedication and inspiration. As a husband, father, grandfather, friend and coach, Joe made everyone he met feel like they were the most important person in the world.”
“Everyone who was fortunate enough to spend time with Joe was forever touched by his genuine and encouraging manner. He had an amazingly rare ability to connect with people in a way that deepened respect, empathy and kindness – and carried these important virtues further into the everyday life of the world.
“‘Force Multiplier’ is a football term sometimes used to describe a person who makes everyone around him better. As a coach, he certainly was that. But more importantly, it’s also an apt characterization of Joe D’Alessandris as a person – someone who undoubtedly created a legacy of love and impact that will live on forever.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Joe’s family – especially his three incredible daughters – during this difficult time. Now that he is reunited with his late and beloved wife Toni, we know they are smiling from above and blessing all who love them dearly.”
Harbaugh, who leaned on D’Alessandris as a spiritual guide in the locker room, said in a statement that he was “a man of integrity and a man of faith. He made us all better. He was our reader at the team mess and he was loved by everyone here. He was a great coach and a good man – the kind of person you are honored to have as a friend. He raised three incredible, beautiful daughters and was a most loving husband. His grandchildren adored him as well. I admired him, loved him and will miss him because ‘Joe D.’ was a joy.”
General Manager Eric DeCosta called Sunday “a sad day for the Baltimore Ravens.”
“‘Joe D.’ was a rock, a great coach and an even better person. He cared deeply about the team, demonstrated a relentless passion to excel while showing genuine love for his players. I especially cherish my conversations with him where we talked about football and life. I will always remember standing on the practice field with Joe and watching him up close with his players. The coach was the perfect teacher and friend and I will miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe’s daughters and family and all who were touched by Joe’s remarkable spirit.”
George Warhop was hired as the team’s interim offensive line coach after D’Alessandris went on medical leave. Travelle Warton serves as the assistant offensive line coach.
This story will be updated.
