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The Baltimore Ravens saw Dean Pees, their defensive coordinator for six years, retire on January 1, 2018. Pees, 68, seemed content with his time in the NFL, which included two Super Bowl rings (2005, New England Patriots, linebackers coach; 2013, Baltimore, defensive coordinator). However, he came out of retirement just four weeks later to become the defensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans.
According to a report from Luke Jones of WNST, Pees was coveted by none other than his former player Mike Vrabel:
Titans coach Mike Vrabel on Dean Pees: "It was great to be able to get him. I was always very prepared when I played for Dean in New England." #Ravens
— Luke Jones (@BaltimoreLuke) February 28, 2018
Vrabel played under the watchful eye of Pees, who was Vrabel’s linebackers coach from 2004-2005 and his defensive coordinator from 2006-2008. For those speculating about why Pees came out of retirement, Vrabel wrapped up the mystery. He was upfront with Ravens head coach John Harbaugh about his intentions to get Pees to come out of retirement.
Vrabel said he "begged and begged and begged" to get Dean Pees as his defensive coordinator. Also called John Harbaugh to be upfront about his intentions. #Ravens #Titans
— Luke Jones (@BaltimoreLuke) February 28, 2018
The other caveat to Pees’ new position is that his son will also coach on his defensive staff. Matt Pees was formerly the head coach of Green Mountain High School in Lakewood, CO.
After Pees retired, former Ravens linebackers coach Don “Wink” Martindale took over his position. Martindale, 54, was once the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos in 2010. He would join Baltimore’s staff as the linebackers coach in 2012, winning a Super Bowl.