ExtremeRavens Posted 7 hours ago Posted 7 hours ago P.J. Volker found himself in a very difficult position last week — having to choose between two of his best friends. Volker had to decide whether to join the staff of the Ravens, which are now led by a former college teammate and coaching colleague. Of course, the alternative was remaining as defensive coordinator at Navy under the man who has been the biggest influence on Volker’s coaching career. After much discussion with his wife Amanda and two daughters — Rosie and Ella — Volker elected to accept the position with the Ravens. He will join the staff of newly hired coach Jesse Minter, signing a contract on Monday to serve as safeties coach. “It was an incredibly difficult decision because of the affinity our family has for the Naval Academy and for Coach Newberry,” Volker said. “We sat down as a family and talked for a long time and really felt the stars aligned with this particular job at this particular time. We felt like this was something we really needed to do and go on a quest for a Super Bowl championship.” Two years ago, Volker turned down an opportunity to join Minter with the Los Angeles Chargers when Minter was hired as defensive coordinator by coach Jim Harbaugh. This opportunity was different because Volker’s family can remain in the Annapolis area and Volker’s two daughters — ages 10 and 9 — can stay at the same school. “I’ll have a longer commute, but we won’t have to uproot,” Volker said. Ultimately, Volker’s relationship with Minter was a critical factor. They first met as freshman football players at the Mount St. Joseph University, a Division III school in the Cincinnati suburbs. Minter was a wide receiver and Volker was an inside linebacker. They bonded over the course of four years and have been best friends ever since. As defensive coordinator at Indiana State, Minter hired Volker as linebackers coach. They both followed coach Trent Miles to Georgia State, ultimately coaching together for seven straight years. When Miles was fired and the entire staff was let go, Minter got hired as a defensive assistant with the Ravens, while Volker wound up working for Newberry when he was defensive coordinator at Kennesaw State. This is Minter’s first time as a head coach, and he called one of his best friends to help get the job done. However, saying yes to one friend meant saying goodbye to another. “It was really challenging because of the love and respect I have for both men,” Volker said. “It would be fair to say this is the only head coach I would leave Coach Newberry to join.” While reuniting with Minter was an important element, the fact it was the Baltimore Ravens was another. Volker followed the franchise closely during his seven-year tenure at Navy and was impressed by how well it has been run. “The Ravens are a premier organization in the NFL with an ultra-talented roster, great ownership and a wonderful fan base,” he said. “Obviously, now the team is being led by a spectacular head coach in Jesse Minter, for whom I have nothing but respect and admiration, confidence and trust.” Volker was out of work when he got hired by Newberry, with whom he had no prior relationship. He followed Newberry from Kennesaw State to Navy and was his top lieutenant. When Newberry got promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach, he elevated Volker as his replacement. Navy vs. Holy Cross FootballPaul W. Gillespie/Capital GazetteNavy defensive coordinator P.J. Volker, shown in 2023, had a successful stint with the Mids and was hesitant to leave for a new opportunity. His connection with Jesse Minter convinced him to leave Navy for a job with the Ravens. (Paul W. Gillespie/Staff) “I am forever grateful for what Coach Newberry has done for my career. All he’s ever done is believe in me, encourage me and support me since Day 1,” Volker said. “I’m forever indebted to Coach New, who has been a great friend and true mentor. He has put me in positions to succeed and grow and taught me so much.” Newberry called a team meeting on Monday afternoon during which he addressed the players then allowed Volker to do so as well. The fourth-year head coach acknowledged having mixed emotions about losing Volker, which he described as a “tough blow.” “I’m excited for P.J. and his family. This is a unique opportunity that P.J. felt like he could not pass up. I don’t think he would have taken just any NFL job,” Newberry said. “On a personal level, P.J. is one of my very best friends. We’ve been together for 10 years so this is tough for me in that regard. It’s going to be tough to not have him just down the hall and seeing him every day.” Navy football has seen minimal staff turnover over the past 24 years with previous coaches Paul Johnson (2002 to 2007) and Ken Niumatalolo (2008-2022) rarely having assistants depart. Volker is the first member of the staff to leave voluntarily since Newberry took over in 2023. “I think P.J. is elite at what he does, so obviously it hurts professionally. He’s irreplaceable in terms of what he brings to the table in a lot of different ways — not just calling plays, but his energy and what he pours into these players and coaches,” Newberry said. What’s next for Navy at defensive coordinator? Now Newberry must begin the process of identifying a new defensive coordinator or assistant. Newberry did not rule out calling the defensive plays himself, saying “that is something on the table for sure.” It is also possible Newberry could promote one of the current defensive assistants to coordinator, as he did with Volker. Jerrick Hall holds the title of defensive running game coordinator, while Eric Lewis is the defensive passing game coordinator. Outside linebackers coach Ricky Brown is the special teams coordinator. If Newberry chooses to go outside the program to find a defensive coordinator, he could consider coaches that previously worked for him at Kennesaw State or Navy. Kevin Downing, who was Newberry’s original defensive line coach, is currently the associate head coach at Virginia. “It’s premature to comment on what I want to do. I’m taking time to really think through this and there are a lot of moving parts,” Newberry said. “I don’t have a timeline. I’m not in any kind of hurry. There is no reason to rush into anything.” While the coordinator may be gone, the rest of the Navy defensive staff remains intact and Newberry is grateful to have such a strong group of coaches. “I know this — we have a tremendous defensive staff in place. All the guys in that room are outstanding and many have been in this system for a long time, being together a long time,” Newberry said. “They work really well together and I don’t want to disrupt that chemistry, which is really important to me.” Ultimately, the defensive system Newberry installed when he was hired as Navy defensive coordinator in 2019 will remain in place. While the staff is always tweaking and evolving it, the “system is the system,” he said. “There are a lot of great football coaches out there and there is a ton of interest in this job. Ultimately, it’s got to be the right person and the right fit for the Naval Academy and this program,” Newberry said of the next hire. Meanwhile, the Ravens announced that Anthony Weaver had been hired as defensive coordinator on the same day the news broke that Volker would be joining the staff. Volker said Monday night that he had not yet spoken to Weaver, but was looking forward to doing so. Volker was 36 years old when he joined the Navy football staff. He really had no idea what a service academy was all about and has come to greatly appreciate the mission. Helping teach and mold future officers in the United States Navy and Marine Corps has been rewarding and humbling, he said. “It’s hard to articulate how much this Naval Academy experience has been for me and my family. It’s been an absolute honor and a blessing to coach here,” Volker said. “My guiding principles as coach were that I wanted to go somewhere that football was important and where I could make a difference in people’s lives. This place checked both boxes. I leave as a better man having been associated with all the great men and women of this institution.” Have a news tip? Contact Bill Wagner at bwagner@capgaznews.com, 443-534-0102 and x.com/@BWagner_CapGaz. View the full article Quote
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