Ravens coaching announcements
The Baltimore Ravens have released a press release detailing a couple of coaching changes. Chris Hewitt has been named the assistant special teams coach, he had previously coached at the college ranks. Matt Weiss has been promoted to the defensive assistant, he was previously the head coaches assistant. Here is the complete press release.
The Baltimore Ravens have hired Chris Hewitt as their assistant special teams coach, while Matt Weiss has been promoted to defensive assistant, head coach John Harbaugh announced Thursday afternoon.
Hewitt, 37, joins the Ravens after spending the previous eight seasons as an assistant at Rutgers University. Most recently, he served as the Scarlet Knights’ running backs coach from 2010-11. Prior to that, Hewitt was the team’s cornerbacks coach (2008-09), director of speed and skill development (2005-07) and graduate assistant (2004).
Hewitt began his coaching career in 2003 when he served one season as Notre Dame’s strength and conditioning assistant. In addition to his work at the collegiate level, Hewitt has also completed four different training camps as part of the NFL’s Minority Coaching Fellowship Program: two with the Ravens (2006 and 2008) and one each with the Philadelphia Eagles (2005) and Cleveland Browns (2001). The program is designed to expose talented minority coaches to methods and philosophies of NFL training camps.
A University of Cincinnati graduate, Hewitt signed with the New Orleans Saints as a rookie free in 1997. As a defensive back and standout special teams performer, he saw action in 39 games over three seasons. He totaled 29 tackles (22 solo) from scrimmage, three sacks and one forced fumble.
“We believe Chris’ maturity, work ethic and overall skill set will enhance our special teams units,” assistant head coach/special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg stated. “He brings experience as a coach in a highly-competitive college program and also as a NFL player. Chris is very familiar with our organization, and his core values align well with those of our coaching staff.”
A four-year letterman at Cincinnati (1992-96), Hewitt played defensive back and special teams under Rosburg – the school’s then-linebackers, special teams and secondary coach (1992-95). Hewitt also played for Harbaugh, who coached the Bearcats’ special teams, tight ends, outside linebackers and running backs (1989-94) and was the assistant head coach from 1995-96. Hewitt twice earned All-Conference USA honors (1995-96).
“I’m really excited about being in the NFL,” Hewitt said. “It’s a great opportunity to be working with coach Harbaugh. He is someone I’ve known for a long time. I look forward to helping this team and learning more – especially with this being the NFL and the highest level of coaching.”
As the Scarlet Knights’ running backs coach last season, Hewitt helped RB Jawan Jamison rank fifth in the Big East Conference in rushing yards (897). While the team’s cornerbacks coach, Hewitt mentored CBs Jason and Devin McCourty, both of whom went on to be selected in the NFL Draft – Jason in 2009 (Tennessee, sixth round) and Devin in 2010 (New England, first round).
A 1992 graduate of Dwight Morrow (Englewood, N.J.) high school, Hewitt was born on July 22, 1974 in Kingston, Jamaica. He and his wife, Tanisha, have three daughters (Azia, Brianna and Christina) and a son (Christopher).
Weiss, 28, has served as the head coach’s assistant for the past three seasons (2009-11) under Harbaugh. In that role, he supported Harbaugh with administrative duties while also working in a defensive quality control capacity. Some of his primary responsibilities included compiling opponent scouting reports, working closely with scout teams in practice and assisting in the breakdown of opponent tendencies. During games, Weiss assisted with charting opponent offenses, while also serving as a liaison for in-game coach’s challenges.
Prior to joining the Ravens, Weiss spent one season (2008) as the defensive and special teams assistant at Stanford. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Stanford (2005-07).
HEWITT’S COACHING BACKGROUND
Years College/Pro Team Position
2003 Notre Dame Strength and Conditioning Assistant
2004 Rutgers Graduate Assistant
2005-07 Rutgers Director of Speed and Skill Development
2008-09 Rutgers Cornerbacks
2010-11 Rutgers Running Backs
2012 Baltimore Ravens Assistant Special Teams
WEISS’ COACHING BACKGROUND
Years College/Pro Team Position
2005-07 Stanford Graduate Assistant
2008 Stanford Defensive & Special Teams Assistant
2009-11 Baltimore Ravens Head Coach’s Assistant
2012 Baltimore Ravens Defensive Assistant
