Ravens Hire New DL Coach

Baltimore adds Michigan's Lou Esposito to defensive staff

Feb. 5, 2026 at 7:55pm

The Baltimore Ravens have hired Lou Esposito, previously the defensive line coach at the University of Michigan, to be their new defensive line coach. Esposito's hiring is part of a broader effort by the Ravens to reshape their coaching staff under new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, with a focus on building a cohesive and experienced defensive unit.

Why it matters

The addition of Esposito, who has experience as both a position coach and a defensive coordinator, is seen as an important step in the Ravens' efforts to strengthen their defense. His work developing Michigan's defensive line, which was among the best in the nation, could also influence the team's approach to the upcoming NFL Draft, particularly when it comes to edge rushers like Derrick Moore.

The details

Esposito spent the past two seasons as the defensive line coach at Michigan, where he helped anchor one of the nation's most consistent defensive fronts. During his time there, he ranked fourth nationally as a recruiter for the 2026 class and played a major role in developing a unit that regularly controlled the line of scrimmage. Prior to Michigan, Esposito served as defensive coordinator at Western Michigan and held head coaching roles at Davenport and St. Joseph's, giving him a wide range of experience managing entire defensive units and game plans.

  • On February 5, 2026, the Ravens finalized a deal to hire Esposito as their new defensive line coach.

The players

Lou Esposito

The new defensive line coach for the Baltimore Ravens, previously served as the defensive line coach at the University of Michigan.

Jesse Minter

The new defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, who is leading the effort to reshape the team's coaching staff.

Derrick Moore

A Michigan edge rusher who could be a potential draft target for the Ravens due to Esposito's familiarity with him.

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What they’re saying

“The Ravens are close to a deal to hire University of Michigan DL Coach Lou Esposito, per sources. He'll coach the Ravens DL.”

— Jeff Zrebiec

What’s next

The Ravens will continue to evaluate their roster and prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft, where Esposito's familiarity with Derrick Moore and other Michigan players could influence their draft strategy.

The takeaway

The hiring of Lou Esposito as the Ravens' new defensive line coach is part of a broader effort by the team to reshape their coaching staff under new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. Esposito's experience developing top defensive line talent at Michigan could prove valuable as the Ravens look to strengthen their defense and identify potential draft targets.