Joe D’Alessandris, the respected offensive line coach for the Baltimore Ravens, has died at the age of 70. His extensive career spanned nearly five decades, during which he made significant contributions to four NFL teams.
Coach John Harbaugh confirmed that D’Alessandris had undergone surgery earlier this summer but faced complications afterward.
In a heartfelt statement, the Ravens expressed their sorrow: “Our hearts ache with grief and sadness upon learning of coach Joe D’Alessandris’ passing early this morning. ‘Joe D.’ lived a life filled with faith, love, and inspiration. As a husband, father, grandfather, and coach, he made everyone he met feel like the most important person in the world.”
Born on April 29, 1954, in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, D’Alessandris began his coaching journey in the Canadian Football League and the World League, later transitioning to college football. His NFL career included roles with the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and San Diego Chargers, before he joined the Ravens under Harbaugh’s leadership.
“Coach ‘Joe D.’ was a man of integrity and faith who made us all better,” Harbaugh shared. “He was our reader at team Mass and was loved by everyone. He was not just a great coach but also a good man and a cherished friend. He raised three wonderful daughters and was a devoted husband. His grandchildren adored him, and his loss will be deeply felt.”
D’Alessandris played college football at Western Carolina, where he began his coaching career as a graduate assistant in 1977. His coaching resume also includes positions at various universities, such as Livingston University, Memphis, Tennessee-Chattanooga, Samford, Texas A&M, Pittsburgh, Duke, and Georgia Tech.
