Former Baltimore Ravens coach Ted Marchibroda passes away

Today the Ravens mourn the loss of one of the men who were on the Ravens' inaugural team. Ted Marchibroda passed away today, at the age of 84.

Marchibroda was coach of the Ravens when they first came to Baltimore in 1996 and he would remain head coach until he was released after the 1998 season. Marchibroda's Ravens went 14-31-1 during his time here, but the Ravens were able to get some notable players such as, Ray Lewis, Jonathan Ogden, Jermaine Lewis, Peter Boulware, Priest Holmes, Jamie Sharper, Duane Stars, Tony Siragusa, Michael McCrary, and Matt Stover.

Like his successors, Marchibroda would have some of his assistants go on to be head coaches, as Kirk Ferentz, Pat Hill, Mike Pettine, Jim Schwartz, Ken Whisenhunt, and Marvin Lewis served on the Ravens coaching staff during Marchibroda's tenure. Marchibroda was also coach of the Baltimore Colts from 1975 to 1979, where the team went 41-33 and won the AFC East three times.

Some of the past and current Ravens have provided quotes on their time and thoughts on Ted Marchibroda

Ozzie Newsome

"Ted is a founding father of the Ravens. He was a tremendous competitor and a tough man with a gentle soul. In a way, he set the Ravens’ path. He wanted players who owned what he called ‘a football temperament.’ Those are players who love all aspects of the game – the mental part, lifting weights, practice and the physicality. That eventually became what we now call 'Playing Like a Raven.' Ted taught me more about football. He was classy in every way. Our prayers and thoughts are with Ann (his wife) and the Marchibroda family."

David Modell

“Ted Marchibroda was an excellent coach; success followed him wherever he coached. He was one of the most competitive men I've ever encountered. But mostly, Ted was a good man – spiritually intact, kind and full of grace. What an honor to have served with him even for so short a period of time.”

Peter Boulware

“I am so sad to hear of the loss of coach Marchibroda. He was an incredible offensive mind, great coach and a true gentleman on and off the field. He will truly be missed.”

Rob Burnett

“Ted Marchibroda was a true NFL ‘lifer.’ He had tremendous success both as a family man and as a true pioneer in our game. He inherited a tough move of a legendary franchise owned by the late, great Mr. [Art] Modell. He did the best he could under tough circumstances in an ever-evolving game. He made all of us true professionals who were better players and, most importantly, better men.”

Earnest Byner

“Ted's ideals were proven over the long successful career he had in the NFL. He brought those with him when he became our first head coach with the Ravens. Thanks, Ted, for sharing your inner drive, caring heart and offensive genius.”

Ray Lewis

“Ted was a truly awesome individual. From the moment I walked into Baltimore in 1996, he wanted to make us better men before anything else; football was the backstory. He was tough on us, and once you figured out why, you really started to respect him on every level. I had many talks with him. I am proud to say I accepted and still practice things he shared with me, one being: ‘Finish what you start, no matter the circumstances.’ Ted was a staple in my life. He will be missed, but never forgotten. I, along with many others, will help carry on his legacy.”

Jonathan Ogden

“Ted Marchibroda was a kind man and a great leader and coach. He really cared for everyone he dealt with on and off the field. He will be missed."

Tony Siragusa

“He was like a father to me. He made me believe in myself and extended my career with his coaching. Clearly, he was more than a coach to me. He was a good, good person and a great man.”

Vinny Testaverde

“Coach was a man who everyone liked and respected. He was an innovator of the game who made us better players and better men. He will be sorely missed.”

Stan White

“Ted took over the [Baltimore] Colts as a 2-12 team. He taught us to be pros. We started 1-4 [in 1975], and he told us we were too good to lose and that he was not going to let us lose. We won nine straight and the first of three-straight division championships [that year], supplanting the great Dolphins teams of the 70’s. He turned Bert Jones into the NFL MVP and me into a real NFL linebacker. We are forever indebted to Ted for making us better men and better players. He changed our destiny and our lives. And, he helped re-establish the NFL in Baltimore that rekindled our love of the NFL for us and our kids and now their kids. He rightfully has his place in Baltimore NFL history with [Don] Shula, [Weeb] Ewbank, [Brian] Billick and [John] Harbaugh as our Mt. Rushmore of coaches.”

Bert Jones

"Ted was a tremendous individual, a great offensive mind, and someone whom all of his players dearly loved."

Lydell Mitchell

"The guys like me who played for Ted here in Baltimore will always be tied together. Whenever we got together, we had a great time as teammates, and Ted was a big part of that. We will sorely miss him."

Ed Simonini

"Ted challenged me and made me a better player. I played harder because of his coaching. The man was a good coach.”

Ted is survived by his wife Ann and his four children Ted Jr., Jodi, Lonni, and Robert.