Former Ravens DC Dean Pees Retires

Former Ravens DC Dean Pees announced his retirement from the NFL.
Photo credit Courtesy: USA Today

By Austin Medina 

Dean Pees has retired once before, but this time his retirement is official. 

#Titans DC Dean Pees is retiring.

— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) January 20, 2020

"It's been 47 years," Pees said. "It's time. I just feel like it's a great time for us. I want to spend time with my wife. She's been very supportive. It's been a great ride."

Defensive coordinator Dean Pees spent eight years on the Ravens staff, including six seasons as defensive coordinator.

Pees announced his initial retirement in January of 2018, opening the position for current defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. The Ravens defense has thrived ever since. After ranking 1st in yards allowed in 2018, the Ravens defense ranked top-three in yards allowed as well as points allowed.

Although his mind was seemingly set, a new opportunity presented itself when former player Mike Vrabel took the Titans head coaching position. Vrabel played under Pees while he was the linebackers coach for the Patriots in 2004. Vrabel mentioned that after he called home about his new job, his first call thereafter was to Pees. 

Pees orchestrated terrific defenses while in Baltimore, including a fearful defense in Super Bowl XLVII. In his six seasons with Baltimore, Pees produced three top-10 rankings in points allowed as well as yards allowed. 

Pees has enjoyed a terrific career in football, being only one of eight defensive coordinators to coach two different teams in the Super Bowl. Aside from winning Super Bowl XLVII with the Ravens, Pees coached the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. 

As the 70-year old Pees moves into the next chapter of his life, we can only wish him the best.