Ray Lewis Coaching Tree

I recently watched an interesting NFL Films Presents episode on the coaching tree spread from Ray Lewis. Usually when people speak of coaching trees it starts with a coach. Starting with a player is a very different take on it. The Baltimore Ravens linebacker is such a tremendous talent that it is no surprise that he has impacted many coaching careers. When a player shines on the field it reflects nicely on the coaches. The round table discussion involved current Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, who I think is a fantastic coach. It also included previous Ravens defensive coordinators and linebacker coaches Marvin Lewis, Rex Ryan, Mike Smith, Jack Del Rio and Mike Singletary. An added plus to the show was having Ray Lewis watching the proceedings on TV. He was able to make comments as he watched. Singletary is now the Vikings linebacker coach, a hire that the Flea Flicker enthusiastically endorses. He was the 49ers head coach at the time. All the other coaches are currently NFL head coaches. Their promotions to those positions were greatly enhanced by the presence of Ray Lewis in their careers. They all readily admit this. Lewis' skill, leadership and football smarts have always made him a coach on the field. Making him an extension of the coaches on the sideline. It is a unique and wonderful relationship between these men. It was humorous that Marvin Lewis, a coach that I find quite reserved, was the most outspoken in the discussion. Rex Ryan, a coach that I find exceedingly outspoken, was probably the most reserved. The whole show was interesting. We often see the impact that coaches have on players. It was nice to see the impact a player can have on his coaches.