Brian Billick

The architect of the Ravens' first Super Bowl title and a defensive juggernaut.

Brian Harold Billick served as the second head coach in Baltimore Ravens history from January 20, 1999, through December 31, 2007. Over nine seasons, he compiled an 85–67 record with a 5–3 playoff mark. His tenure is defined by leading the franchise to its first Super Bowl appearance and victory in XXXV against the New York Giants (34–7). Before this role, Billick was the offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings from 1994 to 1998, where the team set an NFL scoring record of 556 points. He was inducted into the Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor on October 20, 2019.

Quick Facts

Born: 28 February 1954
Birthplace: Fairborn, Ohio, U.S.
High school: Redlands (Redlands, California)
College: BYU
Draft year: 1977
Draft round: 11
Draft pick: 295
Former teams: San Francisco 49ers (1977); Dallas Cowboys (1977)

Lore & Background

Billick's most significant moment arrived during the 2000 season. To keep his team focused on winning each game rather than a distant prize, he forbade players from using the terms "playoffs" or "Super Bowl." He fined Tony Siragusa for violating this rule. In response, the squad adopted the term "Festivus" for the playoffs and "Festivus Maximus" for the Super Bowl.

Once they reached the postseason, Billick lifted the ban. The Ravens relied on a vaunted defense that allowed an NFL record-low 165 points in the regular season, finishing with a +23 turnover differential. This unit propelled them to a 34–7 blowout victory over the New York Giants, securing the franchise's first championship. Billick also engineered a dramatic turnaround in 2003; after falling to 5–5, his team scored 20 unanswered points from the 10:14 mark of the fourth quarter through overtime to defeat the Seattle Seahawks 44–41. This win launched them into their first division title, finishing the season 10–6.

Reader's Guide

Fans should note that Billick's connection to Baltimore extends beyond his coaching years; he returned to coach Team Kai in the 2022 and 2023 Hula Bowls, winning both games. His broadcasting career began as a studio analyst for ABC Sports after the Ravens' 2003 playoff exit, followed by roles with NFL Network and Fox Sports starting in 2008 alongside Thom Brennaman. On Fox, he famously received advice from Jimmy Johnson regarding returning to coaching: "Don't go back unless it's in your bones... If you go back for ego, if you go back for money, it's the wrong reason." Billick also served as an offensive analyst for Arizona State and participated in The American Bowl in 2026. His family life includes a son-in-law, former NBA player Jon Leuer, connected through his daughter Keegan.

Did You Know?

Billick's 85 wins were the most in Ravens history until John Harbaugh surpassed him with his 86th win in 2015.
In 2003, Billick's team finished 10–6 and won the AFC North, with Matt Cavanaugh serving as offensive coordinator.