The Baltimore Ravens announced Tuesday that they have hired Dean Pees as their linebackers coach, reuniting him with one of his former players, John Harbaugh, and an ex-staff mate, Greg Mattison.
Pees was the defensive coordinator at Miami of Ohio during the 1983 season, when Harbaugh -- now the Ravens' head coach -- played defensive back at the school.
"He was the one coach who thought I could play," Harbaugh said, according to the Ravens' official Web site.
Pees also coached with Mattison -- now the Ravens' defensive coordinator -- at the Naval Academy in 1987 and 1988.
"It's a privilege and an honor to be a part of an organization like the Ravens," Pees said. "I'm very anxious and excited for the opportunity to work with coach Harbaugh and also Greg Mattison, with whom I have coached. I think this is a tremendous opportunity and something that my family and I are very excited about. I can't wait to get to work."
Pees, 60, ran the New England Patriots' defense over the past four years after serving as the team's linebackers coach for two seasons. He announced two weeks ago that he wouldn't seek a new contract from the Patriots, despite the fact that his defense ranked 11th in the NFL.
"I’ve know Dean for 27 years, and he’s our type of coach -– energetic, hard-working and innovative," Harbaugh said. "He has worked with all three levels of defense -– defensive line, linebackers and secondary. His experience and wealth of knowledge speak for themselves. Dean has also earned respect from his players and fellow coaches because he has been a coordinator. He'll help our linebackers complement the guys up front and in the back end. He'll fit in with us well, and we’re excited to get him."
Pees also was the head coach at Kent State from 1998 to 2003 and spent 15 other seasons as a defensive coordinator on the collegiate level.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.