Dean Pees to run Ravens' defense

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Baltimore Ravens promoted linebackers coach Dean Pees to defensive coordinator on Friday, filling the void created when Chuck Pagano departed to become coach of the Indianapolis Colts.

Pees takes over a Ravens defense that has ranked among the NFL's best in the past decade.

"The tradition of this defense will continue, and it will flourish and it will get even better," coach John Harbaugh said.

Pees has been the Ravens' linebackers coach for the past two seasons after working as the New England Patriots' defensive coordinator from 2006 to 2009.

Under Pees, the Patriots ranked each season in the top 10 in fewest points allowed.

"It's an incredible opportunity to be a defensive coordinator for anybody in this league, but it's especially humbling to be one for the Ravens," Pees said. "I'm not going to be the same as Chuck Pagano. You got to be who you are."

Harbaugh also announced that the Ravens will retain Cam Cameron as their offensive coordinator. There had been speculation that Baltimore wouldn't re-sign Cameron, whose contract expired this offseason. The Ravens finished a disappointing 15th in offense this past season.

"It was a foregone conclusion to me," Harbaugh said in keeping Cameron. "It was a good year (on offense)."

Jamison Hensley writes about the AFC North for ESPN.com.