Zach Orr is a first-time defensive coordinator, but Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith says he has the right qualities to be successful.

After a historic regular season defensively, the Ravens lost defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to the Seahawks where he will serve as head coach. Ravens coach John Harbaugh – who was tasked with finding his replacement – didn’t have to look very far.

Former Ravens linebacker and current linebackers coach Zach Orr was promoted from within. And Roquan Smith could not be happier about it.

“I have an immense amount of respect for ‘ZO’ and the way he goes about work, day in and day out,” Smith said. “While it’s unfortunate that his career was cut short due to an injury, I feel like he carries that passion over to the game of football and coaching. You don’t know which day will be your last, so you have to give everything you have while you have it; I see he lives by that.

“Yes, I’m extremely happy for him. He brings passion on the field, off the field and in the meeting room, as well as his football IQ and the ability to relate to players. He’s very young and has been in the game recently, so I think overall, it’s a really good fit for our defense. Everyone around the building respects him; it’s not just because of what he says, but because of his actions and the way he goes about things. I think it’s going to be great for our defense, and I’m fired up with him leading the charge. I know his mentality is very similar to mine, so I’m stoked. I just know it’s going to be great for us.”

Smith had Orr as his position coach in 2023, and totaled 158 tackles including five for loss, five quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks, eight passes defended, an interception and a forced fumble.