A 9-year tenure with the sweetest start finishes on the sourest note

They wanted to be right. There was just no room for error. So nine years ago, searching for only the second coach in Baltimore Ravens history, team personnel conducted 27 background interviews before finally speaking with the bright, articulate offensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings. They spoke with players Brian Billick had coached. Men he'd worked alongside. Even the best man at his wedding.

Rick Maese

January 1, 2008