BREAKING NEWS: Former NFL Head Coach Chuck Pagano Joins Ravens as Senior Secondary Coach
In a major coaching shakeup, the Baltimore Ravens have announced that former Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano is joining their staff as the team’s new Senior Secondary Coach. The move marks a homecoming of sorts for Pagano, who served as the Ravens’ secondary coach from 2008 to 2010 before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2011.
Pagano, 64, brings with him decades of coaching experience and a deep understanding of defensive schemes that have made him one of the most respected defensive minds in the league. His return to Baltimore reunites him with head coach John Harbaugh, under whom he worked during the early years of Harbaugh’s tenure with the Ravens.
“Chuck is a great coach, a great leader, and a great man,” Harbaugh said in a statement Thursday morning. “We’re excited to welcome him back to the Ravens. He knows our culture, he knows what winning football looks like, and he’ll bring a wealth of knowledge and energy to our secondary.”
Pagano was the Colts’ head coach from 2012 to 2017, compiling a 53–43 regular season record and leading the team to three consecutive playoff appearances, including an AFC Championship Game appearance in 2014. His tenure in Indianapolis was also marked by his courageous battle with leukemia during his first season, a story that galvanized the team and fanbase and led to the memorable “ChuckStrong” movement.
Since stepping away from the sidelines, Pagano has worked as a defensive analyst and NFL commentator, but his passion for coaching never faded. According to team sources, Pagano expressed interest in returning to coaching in a capacity that would allow him to mentor younger players and contribute to a championship-contending organization.
“I’m thrilled to be back in Baltimore, where it all really started for me,” Pagano said during a brief media availability. “This is a team with championship aspirations, a strong locker room, and a defensive tradition that I’m proud to be part of again. I’m looking forward to working with these young defensive backs and helping them take the next step.”
The Ravens’ secondary, while talented, faced some challenges during the 2024 season, especially in high-pressure situations against elite passing offenses. The addition of Pagano is expected to provide a steady hand and strategic insight to help the unit reach its full potential.
Veteran safety Kyle Hamilton spoke to reporters about the hire, saying, “Coach Pagano’s reputation speaks for itself. Having someone with his experience and perspective in the room is huge for us. We’re excited to learn from him and take this defense to the next level.”
With the 2025 season on the horizon, the Ravens are clearly doubling down on their commitment to defensive excellence. Bringing in a coach like Pagano—who knows the Ravens’ culture, understands what it takes to win, and commands respect across the league—is a clear statement of intent.
As Baltimore looks to make another deep postseason run, Pagano’s return may prove to be a pivotal move in strengthening an already formidable defensive unit.