Today, there’s some big news for the Baltimore Ravens. First off, the team hired former New England Patriots defensive coordinator Dean Pees to replace Vic Fangio as linebackers coach. Fangio has been the man in charge of an elite linebacking core for two seasons, and reports say he is “no longer with the team.” Pees seemed excited to now be a Raven. “It’s a privilege and an honor to be a part of an organization like the Ravens,” he said. “I’m very anxious and excited for the opportunity to work with Coach Harbaugh and also [defensive coordinator] Greg Mattison, with whom I have coached. I think this is a tremendous opportunity and something that my family and I are very excited about. I can’t wait to get to work.”

But that’s not the only coaching change the Ravens are on the cusp of making. Hue Jackson, who has developed quarterback Joe Flacco very well, will take the offensive coordinator job in Oakland, so that means the Ravens need a new QB’s coach. According to ESPN reporter Adam Schefter (who never gets a story wrong), the Ravens will interview Al Saunders, who served as an offensive consultant in Baltimore, along with Jim Zorn, who is a good quarterbacks coach, but doesn’t have the personality to be a head coach, as he proved in Washington. In my opinion, Saunders would be the better hire. He’s got a familiarity with the offense already, but taking Zorn wouldn’t be bad, either.

Another big story line this offseason should be if Ed Reed retires this offseason. In his 30’s, the free safety is up there in age, and while he’s still one of the best in the business, the R-word has to be on his mind. After a bad playoff loss to Indianapolis, he vented, saying retirement was on his mind while the clock hit midnight on the Ravens 2009 season. However, today, Ravens beat writer Aaron Wilson says retirement is very unlikely for Reed: “Baltimore Ravens free safety Ed Reed continues to contemplate retirement, but a league source and several teammates have told National Football Post that the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year is definitely expected to play football this year.”

Also, Ravens backup QB Troy Smith is looking for a starting job elsewhere - and who can blame him? Today, Buffalo Bills safety and a former teammate of Smith’s, Donte Whitner, said he wants Troy to be a Bill. On Twitter, here’s what he had to say:

“I think we should get Troy Smith to be our QB, please! Troy is a proven winner and leader! Joe Flacco is the franchise in B’ More its only right….I watched the guy [Troy Smith] sit behind Justin Zwick…..”Troy can come in and compete with the guys we have and the BEST man will win the job. In the national championship vs. Florida you saw his best WR go down with and injury and an overweight offensive line that had too much time off. Coach [Chan] Gailey would make him so dangerous! He’s great I promise you! Something like never seen before!”

Obviously, Troy and Whitner have a great bond, so I think it’d be smart for the Ravens to trade Smith to the Bills. Like Whitner said, Flacco is the franchise, so trading Troy to be a place where he can play a more crucial role would work for all parties involved.