The announcement was made early Tuesday morning at a press conference held at M&T Bank Stadium, where Reed stood alongside Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh, Executive VP Ozzie Newsome, and GM Eric DeCosta.
“This is home,” Reed said, beaming as he addressed reporters. “Baltimore made me, and now it’s time for me to give back to the organization and help develop the next generation of great Ravens defenders.”
A Legendary Return
Ed Reed, widely considered one of the greatest safeties in NFL history, played 11 seasons with the Ravens from 2002 to 2012. During his tenure, he earned nine Pro Bowl selections, five First-Team All-Pro honors, and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2004. Reed helped lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory in 2012, cementing his legacy as a Ravens legend.
In 2019, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot.
What Reed Brings to the Ravens
Reed’s role as Senior Coaching Assistant will focus primarily on mentoring the defensive backfield, contributing to film analysis, and assisting the coaching staff with game-planning. While not a formal coordinator, his insight into defensive schemes and situational football is expected to be invaluable.
Coach Harbaugh praised Reed’s football mind:
“There’s no one like Ed Reed. His instincts, his understanding of the game—it’s on another level. To have him back in the building, working with our players, is a game-changer.”
Players React
Several current Ravens players took to social media to express their excitement. Star cornerback Marlon Humphrey posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Are you kidding me?? Ed Reed in the DB room?! We’re about to LEVEL UP 🔥 #RavensFlock”
Safety Kyle Hamilton added:
“This is like getting coached by MJ if you’re a basketball player. Let’s gooooo!!!”
Full Circle
Reed has spent recent years dabbling in coaching and player development, including a short stint as Head Coach at Bethune-Cookman University and advisory roles with college programs. His return to the Ravens is not only symbolic but strategic, as the team eyes a Super Bowl run in the upcoming season with one of the league’s most promising young defenses.
With training camp just around the corner, all eyes will be on Reed as he steps into this next chapter—this time, not wearing pads, but with a whistle around his neck and wisdom to pass on.
