OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris is dealing with an acute illness that will require ongoing treatment for an extended period of time, the team announced Wednesday.
D'Alessandris, 70, is currently hospitalized, according to Ravens coach John Harbaugh.
"It's a big blow because he's a great football coach, he's beloved by the players [and] he's a top game-planner," Harbaugh said after practice. "He's a huge part of our offense. He's going to be missed very much. But we're going to be much more concerned about his health."
According to Harbaugh, D'Alessandris had surgery early in the summer and his current illness is a complication from it.
The Ravens have hired George Warhop, who has a 27-year history of coaching offensive lines in the NFL. He was the Houston Texans' offensive line coach in 2022.
"With expertise in guiding top-level offensive linemen, his dedication and strong character will continue to develop our offensive line during Coach D's absence," Harbaugh said.
The Ravens' offensive line is one of the biggest storylines of this year's training camp. Baltimore is replacing three starters after allowing guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson to sign elsewhere and trading right tackle Morgan Moses to the New York Jets.
Entering his eighth season with the Ravens, D'Alessandris has mentored five Pro Bowl offensive linemen in Marshal Yanda, Ronnie Stanley, Orlando Brown Jr., Tyler Linderbaum and Zeitler. D'Alessandris, who has coached for 45 years, previously served as the offensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills (2010-12) and San Diego Chargers (2013-15).
