Outside linebackers coach joins the fold

February 23, 2010 4:45 PM by Dan Kolko View Comments

The Ravens announced they've hired a new member of their coaching staff today, and it's a guy that linebacker Terrell Suggs is pretty familiar with.

Ted Monachino will be the fresh face amid the Baltimore coaching ranks; he will serve as the team's new outside linebackers coach.

Monachino worked the last four years with the Jacksonville Jaguars, serving as the Jags' defensive line coach the past two years and their assistant D-line coach from 2006-2007.

"Ted comes highly recommended from every person we spoke with, and he backed that up while interviewing with us," head coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. "He brings with him an impressive wealth of knowledge and an intense passion for the game. Ted will work with our outside linebackers under Dean Pees, and he will have a tremendous impact on our defense, primarily through the pass rush. We are fortunate to add a coach of his level to our team."

Monachino's connection to Suggs comes from their overlapping years at Arizona State. Monachino served as ASU's defensive line coach from 2000-2005, and coached Suggs as the Sun Devil star set the NCAA single-season record for sacks (24) and tackles for loss (31.5) in 2002.

Suggs was given the Bronco Nagurski Award as the nation's top defensive player and the Lombardi Award as the best lineman that season.

Monachino's addition to the Ravens' coaching staff comes after a season in which Suggs posted an NFL career-low 4.5 sacks.

"I am really looking forward to the opportunity to work with my former college coach," Suggs said. "Coach Monachino challenged me to be the best I could be every practice, every game and every day. He is a perfectionist who will get the best out of all of us. I am really excited to work with him again."

Prior to his time at Arizona State, Monachino also coached at Boise State, Southwest Missouri State, and James Madison.