Ravens Hire Anthony Weaver as New Defensive Coordinator

The Baltimore Ravens have hired Anthony Weaver to lead their defense. Weaver wants to make the team play tougher. Head Coach Jesse Minter will call the plays, while Weaver focuses on making the defense strong and tough.
By Newsroom | NFL, Baltimore |

A New Defensive Mandate Emerges for Baltimore

The Baltimore Ravens are poised for a defensive overhaul, signaling a shift towards a more aggressive and punishing style of play under the newly appointed Defensive Coordinator, Anthony Weaver. This transition follows the team's decision to bring Weaver back into the fold, this time in a prominent leadership capacity. The stated aim is to instill a "cutthroat mindset" and a more "violent" defensive approach, a stark contrast to what has been observed in recent late-game performances. The focus appears to be on rigorous preparation and execution to prevent repeat miscues, a sentiment echoed by Weaver himself.

Re-establishing a Defensive Identity

Anthony Weaver's return to the Ravens as Defensive Coordinator marks a significant strategic move by Head Coach Jesse Minter. Weaver, who previously served as the Defensive Coordinator for the Miami Dolphins for two seasons, is no stranger to cultivating a tenacious defensive unit. His tenure with the Dolphins, though described as having "ups and downs," was characterized by a philosophy that emphasized physicality and decisive action. Fans have expressed considerable excitement regarding his appointment, viewing it as a potential catalyst for restoring the Ravens' defensive standard.

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Anthony Weaver promises "60 Minutes of Hell" from the Ravens' defense - 1

  • Anthony Weaver's appointment as Defensive Coordinator signals a commitment to a more aggressive defensive style.

  • His previous experience with the Miami Dolphins and his reputation for instilling a "cutthroat mindset" are key factors in this decision.

  • Head Coach Jesse Minter will likely serve as the primary play-caller, with Weaver focusing on culture and execution.

Weaving a Defensive Strategy: Weaver's Background and Philosophy

Anthony Weaver's coaching journey has been marked by a consistent rise through the defensive ranks. Prior to his recent stint as Defensive Coordinator for the Miami Dolphins (2024-2025), he held various coaching positions with the Baltimore Ravens, including Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Line Coach (2022-2023) and Defensive Run Game Coordinator (2021). His earlier career involved coaching roles with the Houston Texans and the Cleveland Browns, primarily focusing on the defensive line.

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  • Miami Dolphins (2024-2025): Served as Defensive Coordinator.

  • Baltimore Ravens (2021-2023): Held positions including Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Line Coach and Defensive Run Game Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach.

  • Houston Texans (2015-2020): Coached the Defensive Line, eventually becoming Defensive Coordinator in 2020.

  • Cleveland Browns (2014-2015): Defensive Line Coach.

During his time with the Texans, Weaver was instrumental in the development of players like J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney, contributing to successful seasons that included division titles and playoff wins. He also guided linebacker Jordyn Brooks to significant achievements. This history suggests a proven ability to develop talent and implement effective defensive schemes.

Anthony Weaver promises "60 Minutes of Hell" from the Ravens' defense - 2

Minter and Weaver: A Collaborative Command Structure

The Ravens' defensive strategy will operate under a dual leadership model, with new Head Coach Jesse Minter at the helm and Anthony Weaver as Defensive Coordinator. While Weaver holds the title, Minter has indicated that he will be the one calling the defensive plays. Weaver's role, therefore, is expected to focus on cultivating the desired defensive culture and ensuring the execution of Minter's schemes. This arrangement highlights a shared vision for the team's defensive future, with Weaver seen as an extension of Minter's tactical approach and a key figure in setting the defensive tone.

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  • Head Coach: Jesse Minter (primary play-caller).

  • Defensive Coordinator: Anthony Weaver (focus on culture, execution, and acting as an extension of Minter's strategy).

Fan Reception and Future Expectations

The announcement of Anthony Weaver's hiring has generated significant enthusiasm among Ravens fans. Social media discussions and fan forums indicate a widespread belief that Weaver's philosophy aligns with the team's historical defensive identity. His past statements, emphasizing the importance of a "violent" defense, have resonated with the fanbase, who anticipate a return to the team's hard-hitting traditions. The anticipation is that under this new leadership, the Ravens' defense will not only be effective but also impose its will on opposing offenses.

Evidence of Weaver's Defensive Tenor

During his tenure as the Miami Dolphins' Defensive Coordinator, Anthony Weaver articulated his defensive philosophy in public forums. One notable statement, resurfaced and widely shared, expressed that "all of Miami’s defensive problems could be solved through violence." This statement, when viewed alongside his reappointment to a Defensive Coordinator position in Baltimore under Jesse Minter, underscores the team's intent to embrace a more physically dominant defensive approach. The repeated emphasis on "punishing offenses" and instilling a "cutthroat mindset" serves as direct evidence of this intended strategic shift.

Conclusion: A Defensive Reinvention Underway

The Baltimore Ravens' decision to appoint Anthony Weaver as their Defensive Coordinator, under the direction of Head Coach Jesse Minter, signifies a clear intent to redefine the team's defensive identity. Weaver's background, marked by success in developing defensive talent and his outspoken philosophy favoring physicality, positions him as a key architect of this new era. While Minter will direct the on-field play-calling, Weaver's mandate to foster a "violent" and "punishing" defense suggests a concerted effort to re-establish the Ravens as a formidable defensive force. The enthusiasm from the fanbase further amplifies the expectations for a revitalized defensive performance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the new Defensive Coordinator for the Ravens?
Anthony Weaver is the new Defensive Coordinator. He has worked with the Ravens before.
Q: What kind of defense does Anthony Weaver want?
He wants a tough and aggressive defense. He wants the team to play very hard.
Q: Who will call the plays on defense?
Head Coach Jesse Minter will call the defensive plays. Weaver will help build the team's tough style.