The Baltimore Ravens are unlikely to return to the playoffs after finishing with an 8-9 record last season.
Before missing the post-season, the Ravens took three consecutive play-offs with Lamar Jackson as their starting quarterback.
But if they are to return to the playoffs, the Ravens will have to do without one of their longest-serving players.
Ravens punter Sam Coach announced his retirement on Thursday, ending the career of the longest-serving player in the team’s history.
The 39-year-old coach has played more games for the Ravens (256) than Terrell Sags (229) and Ray Lewis (228).
Press conference at 3:30 in the afternoon
– Jamison Hensley (JemisonHansley) May 19, 2022
ESPN’s Jamison Hensley tweeted, “Ravens punter Sam Koch announced his retirement on Thursday, ending the career of the longest-serving player in the team’s history. The 39-year-old coach has played more games for the Ravens (256) than Terrell Sags (229) and Ray Lewis (228). Press conference at 3:30 pm.
The Ravens are the only team he has played for since being drafted in the sixth round of the 2006 draft.
The coach was part of the team that won the Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers which ended in Lewis’ final NFL game.
In 2015, he became a pro bowler and a member of the second-team All-Pro.
The Nebraska alumni finished with 1,168 punt effort and 52,868 punt yards.
His longest punt went 74 yards and his average was 45.3 yards per punt.
The coach had 453 pants that landed inside the red zone.
Even if his playing days are over, he will be with the Ravens as a special team mentor.
Who will replace the coach as Ravens Punter?
In the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Ravens drafted Jordan Stout of Penn State.
However, he has not yet signed his rookie contract with Baltimore.
Last season, Stout was a first-team All-Big Ten and Edelman-Fields Punter of the Year.
In his final year with the Nitani Lions, Stout punted for 3,083 yards and averaged 46 yards per punt.
He has also scored 16 of 23 field goals, but he doesn’t have to worry about that because Justin Tucker is one of the Raven’s best.