John Harbaugh can pinpoint the reason he knew Greg Mattison would be the best fit as the team’s defensive coordinator.
“He’s the kind of guy you can just trust what he says,” the Ravens’ coach said. “The job he did with our guys this year established himself as a premier coach in the NFL. That’s always been one of his biggest strengths: The ability for the players to trust and understand and be as good as they can be.”
Harbaugh demonstrated his trust in Mattison by promoting the linebackers coach on Monday afternoon, filling the void left by Rex Ryan, who was named head coach of the New York Jets last week. Mattison, 59, will have a difficult time replicating Ryan’s success, as his unit finished no worse than sixth in total defense since his hiring in 2004. The Ravens finished second this year, allowing an average of just 261.1 yards and 15.2 points per game and forcing a league-high 34 turnovers.
The heart of the defense, however, was the linebackers, as Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis each earned a trip to the Pro Bowl.
“In college you have to take a player from being an infant — where to step, where to place their hands,” Mattison said. “In the pro game, they already know that. You’re job here is to get them to do something that makes them even better — whether that is mental or technique. These guys are like the best players you ever had at the college level all in one.”
Mattison coached at the Division I level from 1976-2007, including 11 years as defensive coordinator at Western Michigan, Michigan, Notre Dame and Florida. With the Gators from 2005 to 2007, he helped them win the national championship in 2006 before leaving to join Harbaugh’s staff last spring.
But Harbaugh and Mattison have known each other for more than two decades, beginning in 1984, when Mattison and John were assistants under Jack Harbaugh — John’s father — at Western Michigan University.
“You don’t make plans or map out your career,” John Harbaugh said. “You just let the chips fall as they may and I think that’s the way that Greg has coached.”
Harbaugh also announced special teams coach Jerry Rosburg will retain his duties, but also take on the position of assistant head coach. Special assistant to the head coach Vic Fangio replaces Mattison as linebackers coach.
“We felt we had the best defensive staff in the NFL last season,” Harbaugh said. “We are trying to make it even better.”
