Former CFL offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris passed away on Sunday morning. He was 70 years old.
The news was broken on X, formerly known as Twitter, by his current team, the Baltimore Ravens.
“Coach ‘Joe D.’ was a man of integrity and a man of faith. He made us all better,” head coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “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. [His late wife] Toni has him back now. May God bless ‘Joe D.’ forever.”
D’Alessandris had served as the Ravens’ offensive line coach since 2017 but was hospitalized earlier this month due to an acute illness that required ongoing care. He had had surgery in the offseason and was experiencing complications.
“Today is a sad day for the Baltimore Ravens. ‘Joe D.’ was a rock, a great coach and a better person,” general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement. “He cared about the team deeply, exhibiting a relentless passion to excel while displaying genuine love for his players. 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. Our thoughts and prayers go to Joe’s daughters and family and everyone touched by Joe’s remarkable spirit.”
Prior to his time in Baltimore, the native of Aliquippa, Penn. had stops with the San Diego Chargers (2013-15), Buffalo Bills (2010-12), and Kansas City Chiefs (2008-09). His 45-year coaching career also included stints with nine different colleges, most notably Chattanooga, Duke, and Georgia Tech.
However, D’Alessandris first broke into the professional ranks in 1990 as offensive line coach for the Ottawa Rough Riders under Steve Goldman. The team went 7-11 and lost in the East Semi-Final, though two of the team’s blockers, Gerald Roper and Rob Smith, earned East Division all-star selections.
After two years in the short-lived World League of American Football and two more college stops, D’Alessandris returned to the CFL in 1995 as offensive line coach for the U.S. expansion Memphis Mad Dogs. The team went 9-9 in their first and only season of existence.
After bouncing around for much of his career, D’Alessandris eventually found stability in Baltimore and was credited with creating a consistent top-five offensive unit in the NFL. He helped to generate Pro Bowl seasons from the likes of Tyler Linderbaum, Ronnie Stanley, Orlando Brown Jr., Marshal Yanda, and Kevin Zeitler. In 2021, the team tied an NFL record set by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1977 with 43 straight games of over 100 yards rushing.
“‘Joe D.’ was beloved throughout our entire organization and the greater NFL community,” Ravens president Sashi Brown stated. “He was a passionate and devoted football coach who left an indelible mark on the lives of many. Above all, he was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather who always prioritized his faith and family.”
“True to character, ‘Joe D.’ was a fighter to the very end. Our hearts are broken for his daughters, Kelly, Emily and Anna, and his five grandchildren. We take comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his late wife, Toni, whom he loved dearly. His legacy, light and spirit will remain with all of us. Our prayers are with the entire D’Alessandris family during this very difficult time.”
The Ravens hired veteran NFL offensive line coach George Warhop to assist D’Alessandris prior to the season. They will open their 2024 campaign on Thursday, September 5 when they visit the Kansas City Chiefs at 8:20 p.m. EDT.
