Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton offered praise this week for new pass game coordinator and secondary coach Mike Mickens, drawing on his time playing under Mickens at Notre Dame to highlight what he sees as a more technique-driven approach than is typical for NFL defensive backs coaches.
“Yes, I was actually [at Notre Dame] two out of three years with [pass game coordinator/secondary coach Mike Mickens]. [He’s a] great coach. He’s very technique-oriented, and I think that’s somewhat rare in this league at DB. A lot of times you get a guy who can, not that it’s a bad thing, but explain the install and make sure you’re going out and running the right plays, and not actually out there like, ‘This is what you’re doing in press [coverage] versus playing off. Here’s where your feet go and your hands [go].’ And I think he’s really good with that stuff. He’s helped contribute to Notre Dame putting some decent DBs out in recent years, and in recruiting, he’s personable and can relate. He played the game at a high level, and he’s a good coach. I’m just happy to have him [and have] some familiarity.”
Hamilton’s familiarity with Mickens adds an early layer of continuity for a Ravens secondary adjusting to new defensive staff changes this offseason, with the unit continuing installation work ahead of training camp. As the Ravens continue to reshape their secondary, Mickens’ technique-driven approach could play a key role in developing players and ensuring consistency. With Hamilton already familiar with his coaching style, Baltimore’s defensive backs may benefit from a more detailed, hands-on foundation that strengthens execution heading into the 2026 season.
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This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Kyle Hamilton says Mike Mickens brings rare DB coaching
