RAVENS MAKE MATTISON HIRING OFFICIAL

The Baltimore Ravens made the rumors official on Monday afternoon and promoted Greg Mattison from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator. He replaces Rex Ryan, who is now the head coach of the New York Jets. “When we persuaded Greg Mattison to join us a year ago, we talked about what a special coach he is,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “He has been a successful defensive coordinator at the highest levels of college, and he will succeed with us as our new defensive coordinator.” Mattison has long ties to the Harbaugh family. He served as Jack Harbaugh’s defensive coordinator at Western Michigan from 1981-86, where he met John who served as a graduate assistant for his father from 1984-86. Before joining the Ravens staff last season, Mattison’s entire coaching career was at the college level. He served as defensive coordinator for Notre Dame and Michigan and coached the defensive line for 2007 National Champion Florida. Mattison becomes the fourth defensive coordinator in Ravens history. The previous three -- Marvin Lewis, Mike Nolan and Ryan -- all became head coaches following their time in Baltimore. The Ravens also moved Vic Fangio from special assistant to the head coach to linebackers coach and added the assistant head coach title to special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg.