Levine has built strong relationships with many players who will return next season, and new Ravens will get to know him quickly. He’s a hands-on coach who often demonstrates to players exactly what he wants during practice.
Second-year defensive back Keondre Jackson was an undrafted rookie last year who made the Ravens’ practice squad before being elevated to the 53-man roster. Jackson is one of Levine’s proteges, and he flew back to Baltimore on Wednesday to hear the coordinators’ introductory press conference.
“That speaks volumes to the type of players that we have and the type of connection that I have with these guys,” Levine said. “They understand the standard; they understand the culture. My leadership style, the way I interact with them, the way I challenge them, the way we hold each other accountable.
“These guys, they respect me. We don’t talk a lot about how much I did when I played, because it’s not about what I did when I played. It’s more about them, and it’s more about me being able to teach them to go out there and be productive and have a great career.”
When Levine raises his voice, he’s only doing so to raise a player’s game. Every practice, every game, Levine never gave less than his best. He approaches coaching with the same mentality, and plans to continue the standard of making sure Baltimore’s special teams unit ranks among the NFL’s elite.
“That’s what we do here. It’s a culture here,” Levine said. “We’re here to win games, and we are here to win championships. That’s what we strive to do, and that’s what we’re going to do.”