OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — The Baltimore Ravens have signed former Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Don Martindale to be their linebackers coach.

Martindale takes over for Dean Pees, who was promoted to defensive coordinator after Chuck Pagano left for Indianapolis.

Martindale, 49, has coached for seven years in the NFL. He last served as Denver’s defensive coordinator in 2010 after spending a year as the team’s linebacker coach. He also worked with Oakland’s linebackers from 2004-2008.

Martindale also worked as defensive coordinator at Western Kentucky and Western Illinois.

He inherits a linebacking crew that includes two of the best in the game, Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs. Martindale says signing up with Baltimore was “a no-brainer,” adding, “I am thrilled to be a part of a proven system.”

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)