Longtime NFL Assistant Coach Dies At 70 After Battling Illness

Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris died Sunday morning after battling an acute illness, the team has announced.

D’Alessandris, who has served as the team’s offensive line coach since 2017, took a leave of absence earlier this month in order to treat the illness. Ravens Head Coach John Harbough said at the time that D’Alessandris had surgery earlier this summer and had experienced complications

“Our hearts ache with grief and sadness upon learning of coach Joe D’Alessandris’ passing early this morning,” the team said in a statement. “‘Joe D.’ lived a life of boundless faith, love, devotion and inspiration. As a husband, father, grandfather, friend and coach, Joe made every individual he encountered truly feel like they were the most important person in the world.”

Born in 1954, D’Alessandris coached for the Canadian Football League, the World League and a number of college programs, including Duke, Texas A&M and Georgia Tech, before making his way to the NFL in 2008. His first NFL coaching role came with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he worked as assistant offensive line coach.

D’Alessandris speaks with the media during Ravens training camp in 2019

He has also headed up the offensive line units for the Buffalo Bills and the San Diego Chargers before ultimately settling in Baltimore, where he spent six seasons.

“Coach ‘Joe D.’ was a man of integrity and a man of faith. He made us all better,” Harbaugh said. “He was our reader at team Mass, and he was loved by all here. He was a great coach and a good man — the kind of person who you are honored to have as a friend. He raised three incredible, beautiful daughters, and he was a most loving husband. His grandkids also adored him. I admired him, loved him and am going to miss him, because ‘Joe D.’ was a joy.”

A native of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, D’Alessandris played at Western Carolina before securing his first coaching gig with Livingston University in 1977.

Ravens GM Eric DeCosta described D’Alessandris as a “rock” for the organization.

“He cared about the team deeply, exhibiting a relentless passion to excel while displaying genuine love for his players,” DeCosta said in a statement. “I especially treasure my conversations with him, talking about football and life. I will always remember standing back with Joe on the practice field and watching him up close with his players. Coach was the consummate teacher and friend, and I will miss him deeply.