Steve Spagnuolo has been without an NFL home since January, when the New Orleans Saints fired him from his defensive coordinator job.
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Four months later, Spagnuolo has taken on the position of a senior defensive assistant for the Baltimore Ravens, a team source told NFL Network's Stacey Dales on Friday. The Ravenslater announced the hire and said Spagnuolo was a senior defensive consultant.
"Steve had a number of opportunities in the league right now, and we're excited he picked the Ravens," said Ravens coach John Harbaugh, who once worked with Spagnuolo on the Philadelphia Eagles' staff. "He comes to a staff that we believe is very strong, and he makes us even better."
Spagnuolo's coaching stock has steadily tumbled since he garnered heavy praise as the architect of the New York Giants defense that dominated the New England Patriots' record-breaking offense in Super Bowl XLII.
After posting a dismal 10-38 record in three seasons as the St. Louis Rams' head coach, Spagnuolo oversaw a 2012 Saints defense that not only set the NFL record for most yards allowed in a season but also ranked 29th in sacks, 31st in pass defense and dead last against the run. Along the way, he drew the ire of at least one Saints defensive player, who accused Spagnuolo of being a "control freak" with "no patience and zero personality."
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It might be a few more years before Spagnuolo is considered for a defensive coordinator position. In the meantime, he will try to rebuild his reputation out of the spotlight.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
