Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris died Sunday morning at the age of 70, the team announced.
The team had announced earlier this month that D’Alessandris was dealing with an acute illness that required ongoing treatment for an extended period of time.
Ravens coach Harbaugh said at the time that D’Alessandris had surgery early in the summer and his illness was a complication from it.
“Coach ‘Joe D.’ was a man of integrity and a man of faith. He made us all better,” Harbaugh said in a statement Sunday. “He was our reader at team mass, and he was loved by all here. He was a great coach and a good man — the kind of person who you are honored to have as a friend. He raised three incredible, beautiful daughters, and he was a most loving husband. His grandkids also adored him. I admired him, loved him and am going to miss him, because ‘Joe D.’ was a joy. Toni has him back now. May God bless ‘Joe D.’ forever.”
The Ravens hired George Warhop as offensive line coach earlier this month when they announced D’Alessandris’ extended absence.
D’Alessandris, who had been entering his eighth season with the Ravens, mentored five Pro Bowl offensive linemen in Marshal Yanda, Ronnie Stanley, Orlando Brown Jr., Tyler Linderbaum and Kevin Zeitler.
D’Alessandris, who coached for 45 years, previously served as the offensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills (2010-12) and San Diego Chargers (2013-15).
Information from ESPN’s Jamison Hensley was used in this report.
