OWINGS MILLS, Maryland – Joe D’Alessandris, offensive line coach for the Baltimore Ravens, died Sunday morning at the age of 70, the team announced.

D’Alessandris has been in the hospital for the past two weeks because, according to the Ravens, he had an “acute” infection and needed treatment for a longer period of time. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said at the time that D’Alessandris had undergone surgery in early summer and that his current illness was a complication of that.

D’Alessandris has a 45-year coaching career and has been Baltimore’s offensive line coach since 2017.

“Coach ‘Joe D’ was a man of integrity and a man of faith,” Harbaugh said in a statement. “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 person – the kind of person you are honored to have as a friend. I admired him, loved him and will miss him because ‘Joe D’ was a joy.”

Our hearts are filled with sorrow and sadness as we learned of the passing of Coach Joe D’Alessandris this morning. pic.twitter.com/KftNJXEnhd

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) 25 August 2024

The Ravens hired George Warhop as their offensive line coach on August 14 when they announced D’Alessandris’ extended absence.

Known as a great teacher and technician, D’Alessandris was one of the most respected figures in the Ravens organization due to his friendly nature and warm demeanor. On game days, he was the reader at the team mess.

“Today is a sad day for the Baltimore Ravens,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement. “‘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 also showing genuine love for his players. I especially cherish my conversations with him when we talk about football and life.”

During his seven seasons with the Ravens, D’Alessandris coached five Pro Bowl offensive linemen: Marshal Yanda, Ronnie Stanley, Orlando Brown Jr., Tyler Linderbaum and Kevin Zeitler.

Harbaugh called D’Alessandris one of the best game planners and said he is “a key part of our offense.” Over the last six seasons with D’Alessandris, Baltimore’s offensive line ranked in the top 10 in run blocking and pass blocking win percentages.

D’Alessandris oversaw the Ravens’ recent offensive line rebuild. Baltimore will enter this season with three new offensive linemen after Zeitler and guard John Simpson were not re-signed and right tackle Morgan Moses was traded to the New York Jets.

D’Alessandris’ coaching career began as a university assistant in 1977. He went on to coach offensive lines in college, the Canadian Football League, the World League of American Football and the NFL. Previously, D’Alessandris was the offensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills (2010-12) and the San Diego Chargers (2013-15).

D’Alessandris’ wife Toni died in 2022. They were married for 42 years. He leaves behind three daughters, Anna, Kelly and Emily.

“I will always remember standing on the practice field with Joe and watching him up close with his players,” DeCosta said. “The coach was a 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.”